Welding Trainee: Earn While You Learn & Grow

Caterpillar Brazil; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,956,000 - 90,547,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Day-one health, dental, and vision

Job summary

Caterpillar South Milwaukee is offering an Early Career Welder Trainee program to develop skilled welders through structured training, mentorship, and real-world manufacturing experience. You’ll learn Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and progress through certifications while contributing to large mining equipment projects.

Starting pay is competitive with clear progression milestones, plus mentorship from experienced welders and long-term career growth within Caterpillar.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• A 2-year Associate Degree in Welding from an accredited program.
• A 1-year Welding Technical Diploma or Certificate from an accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing environment.
• Complete hands-on welding training through a structured development program.
• Work alongside experienced welders and receive mentorship and coaching.
• Read and follow work instructions, blueprints, and welding specifications.
• Grind, prepare, and finish weldments to quality standards.
• Support production of large structural steel components used in mining equipment.
• Maintain a safe work environment while following all Caterpillar safety expectations.
• Progress through welding certifications and skill checkpoints to advance your career.

Skills

FCAW

Blueprint reading

Fabrication

Structural steel

Welding experience

Education

Associate Degree in Welding

Welding Technical Diploma/Certificate

Job description

Caterpillar South Milwaukee is offering an Early Career Welder Trainee program to develop skilled welders through structured training, mentorship, and real-world manufacturing experience. You’ll learn Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and progress through certifications while contributing to large mining equipment projects.

Starting pay is competitive with clear progression milestones, plus mentorship from experienced welders and long-term career growth within Caterpillar.