Manufacturing Engineering - L6 Degree Apprenticeship in Desford

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. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Salary: £24,900 and rising annually throughout program to a finishing apprenticeship wage of £33,900.

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays - opportunity to buy and sell, Bonus, Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%, Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, optional flexible benefits including access to private medical, health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc.

The Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable, real-life experiences. We are looking for apprentices to join our Manufacturing Engineering teams. Our Manufacturing Engineering team is responsible for designing and improving our high-quality low-cost processes to allow us to efficiently assemble and test our building and Construction products.

In collaboration with our partnered training provider, University of Coventry, our 5-year degree apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Alongside on-the-job training supported by relatable mentors, apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours completing learning leading to nationally recognised qualifications through the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer apprenticeship standard:

• a Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship certificate, and
• a BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering

What You Will Learn:

• Technical Analysis: Look at how we make things in assembly, testing, and painting, focusing on production, cost, quality, safety, and the environment.
• Improvements: Improve our processes and how we work to meet customer needs for quality, cost, and demand, while following our rules and standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with teams in Operations, Quality, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Skill Development: Learn the skills needed to become successful manufacturing engineers by working in different important areas of the business.

As part of this programme apprentices are required to attend university.

What Skills You Will Have:

• GCSEs (Level 2): Mathematics and English at Grade 4 (C) or above
• A Levels (Level 3):
• 112 points from three A levels including mathematics and a Science based subject (three ‘C’ grades or equivalent)
• Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Engineering or a related subject with a Merit, Merit, Merit profile.
• Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before 31st August 2026.

What You Will Get One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. 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.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Post apprenticeship

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you are very likely to be offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for long-term progression. We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeships schemes stand as testament to that. It’s your time and talent, make it count. Join us today!

Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: 29th June 2026

Evening at Cat (in-person): 16th July 2026

Assessment Centre Date (in-person): 23rd July 2026

Employment Start Date: 31st August 2026 (provisional)

Previous applicants need not apply. Note: A mathematics evaluation will be required during the recruitment process.

Recruitment Process

• Stage One – Online Application: Complete the online application before the closing date. After the closing date, we will review all applications and contact you if you move to the next stage. Successful applicants will receive an invite in June 2025.
• Stage Two – Evening Invitation: You and a guest are invited to visit our manufacturing facility in Desford. Meet the team, learn about Caterpillar, the apprenticeship scheme, and the university course, and ask questions.
• Stage Three – Assessment Centre: Participate in a group exercise, interview, and presentation to assess teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. We aim to make this day fun, inclusive, and relaxed.
• Stage Four – Offer: After the assessment centre, we will review feedback and extend offers to selected candidates as quickly as possible.

Start Date: Apprentices will join the business on 31st August 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar.