Career Area:

Operations

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprentice

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

Expected Duration: Fixed term contract (15 months)

Working Week: 37.5 hours (Hours may vary depending on our demand driven work pattern) Mon-Fri: Monday – Thursday 07:00 – 16:00 and Friday 07:00 – 10:30

Earning potential: Yr1 £14’119 circa (Per annum) There is also potential to receive a production bonus.

Apprenticeship Standard: Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Standard Vacancy Type: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship Standard (Level 2)

Benefits: Company share scheme, annual holiday allowance of 262.5 hours, Caterpillar advantage scheme with discount site for many major retailers, access to our onsite gym recently refurbished with £30,000 worth of new equipment, access to our sports and social facility, free parking

Due to the nature of this role and site safety requirements, you will need to be aged 18 or over by any applicable start date.

About Caterpillar:

With 2020 sales and revenues of $41.7 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives.

Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.

We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Company website: https://www.caterpillar.com/

Apprenticeship website: https://www.caterpillar.com/desfordapprenticeships

You will join a passionate and motivated team of Apprentices, within a pioneering manufacturing organisation, supplying the Worldwide Construction Industry.

During your Apprenticeship, you will gain knowledge, skills, experience, and friendships. While completing hands on tasks, assembling Construction Products you’ll be gaining your formal qualifications, which are recognised and fully transferrable within the manufacturing sector. You will be working in the assembly production areas within the business, assembling components to our high-quality standards. This apprenticeship has been designed to run for 15 months. Your first 12 months are based on working towards your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing and your skills, knowledge, and behaviours as you develop your knowledge of manufacturing standards and techniques alongside your work skills.

Following your first 12 months with Caterpillar, you will then be entered for your end-point assessment. Your end point assessment will comprise of two assessments:

• Observation with questions and answers

• Professional discussion upon successful completion, you will achieve the Lean Manufacturing Operative Standard and your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing.

To be successful for this role, you will have a keen sense of achievement and take pride in the work you undertake.

Key responsibilities:

• Adhering to Caterpillar Values in Action

• Follow and utilise Caterpillar Production System

• Follow documented standard work procedures/instructions to perform safe and defect free assembly of parts and components

• Using various hand, power tools and lifting equipment provided in the work area

• Support continuous improvement reporting with your new ideas and views

• Working within the production line assembling Caterpillar products

• Operate our fully built products where required

• Working in production lines

• Adhere to the Organisation's health & safety policy and safe working practices

• Working to real time orders and targets

• Completing your qualification within the Academy period to a high standard

• Gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment

• Training: Caterpillar Production Systems and Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Skills and Knowledge) The Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Standard will be delivered onsite in the Caterpillar Academy.

Skills Required:

• Organisation and Coordination.

• Good attention to detail.

• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

• Have an open mind to new opportunities.

• Ability to communicate and work efficiently and maturely.

• Be inspired to achieve and be your best self.

Qualifications Required:

• A-C, 9-4 or Level 2 Functional Skills in English

• A-C, 9-4 or Level 2 Functional Skills in maths

• A-C, 9-4 or Level 2 in 2 x other subjects.

Personal Qualities:

• Comfortable working in a team

• Responsible

• Reliable

• Enthusiastic

• Keen to learn and develop skills

• Mature and Spirited

• Committed to achieving goals/targets.

Other Information

The initial training programme will be undertaken within the first 6-8 weeks, within Caterpillar’s onsite Academy. All training takes place at the Caterpillar Desford Site. Academy hours / work hours:(Onsite) Monday to Thursday 7:00 to 16:00 Friday 7:00 to 10:30 On the job times will vary according to the business demand and subject to departmental variations.

From the 1st April 2021 the Apprentice National Minimum Wage is £4.30 per hour. This applies to 16- 18-year-old apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship.

Future Prospects Apprenticeship Standard as a Lean Manufacturing Operative is designed to help you progress your career within the manufacturing industry.

The qualifications are related to jobs roles such as: Manufacturing Operator, Assembly Operator and Production Assistant within a wide range of manufacturing disciplines.

Caterpillar’s Apprenticeship scheme offers an opportunity to gain 15 months experience within a Global Manufacturer, you may be eligible to move onto a further Apprenticeship or to apply for any internal vacancies available.

Posting Dates:

August 14, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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