Machinist Apprentice — Paid, Hands-On CNC Training

Caterpillar Inc.; Green Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Tucson, AZ, offers a two-year Machinist Apprentice Program at the Tucson Proving Ground.

This hands-on, competency-based program pairs on-the-job training with academic coursework through Pima Community College to build skills in engine, hydraulic, electronic, and powertrain systems for Caterpillar’s mining equipment operations. Apprentices gain exposure to large mining equipment and progress through learning milestones under expert guidance, with potential growth into

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in the Pima Community College program: Machine Tool Technology.
• Willingness to commit to at least 32 hours per week with a 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. shift.
• Interest in working around large mining equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist experienced machinists in producing parts for machine validation (10% manual, 90% CNC).
• Follow work instructions, manuals, drawings, and specifications to set up tooling.
• Develop foundational knowledge of mining machines and related systems.
• Contribute to Caterpillar’s safety culture and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide input on CI and capital projects focusing on safety, quality, velocity, and cost.
• Support supervisors in implementing CI ideas.

Skills

CNC programming

Team leadership

Project experience

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to safety

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology

Welding courses completed or willing to take

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. in Tucson, AZ, offers a two-year Machinist Apprentice Program at the Tucson Proving Ground.

This hands-on, competency-based program pairs on-the-job training with academic coursework through Pima Community College to build skills in engine, hydraulic, electronic, and powertrain systems for Caterpillar’s mining equipment operations. Apprentices gain exposure to large mining equipment and progress through learning milestones under expert guidance, with potential growth into