Test & Engine Finish Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3

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.

The Apprenticeship: “Let’s do the work”

Manufacturing Operations are responsible for leading production employees to execute the assembly, test, paint, and engine finish processes within the manufacturing facility including the quality department and logistics department, to deliver a world-class product to our customers. This role utilises the Caterpillar Production System (Lean Manufacturing) Principles to deliver People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) improvements and results.

The purpose of this level 3 engineering apprenticeship role is to develop individuals within the manufacturing department who are responsible for the assembly, testing, painting, and shipping of the engines to the customers, ensuring defect free engines are shipped on time. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be adding value to the product and the business, whilst working towards achieving a recognised qualification which will set you up well for a successful career within Perkins Engines.

During this 4-year apprenticeship, you will experience different aspects of manufacturing, designed to provide you with an excellent foundation in your future. From day one you will be embedded with the Test & EFD team, solving real world problems. You will get to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide. Engine Testing is responsible for ensuring that all the engines assembled at our Stafford facility meet all the requirements and expectations of our customers as well as all national and international regulations. Responsible for the safe and efficient testing of the engines, our team in test also look for opportunities to improve our processes, working closely with other departments in the facility. Engine Finishing is responsible for the spraying, painting, and final customer preparations of the engine.

Even though your apprenticeship will be based within the Test & EFD department, you will experience rotations in the following departments:

• Engine Assembly: Our Stafford facility produces both inline and vee engines to meet the requirements of our customers.
• Quality Department: Responsible for maintaining our excellent reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality products.

What we need from you: “Knowledge and competencies”

• Good Communication skills
• Good time management and organisation skills
• Basic PC skills (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc)
• 5 GCSEs (or academic equivalents) at Grade C / Level 4 or above, which must include Maths & English and a Science or Engineering subject.

NOTE: 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 September 2026.

Post Apprenticeship: “You can build the career you want here”

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified Engineering Technician and may be offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for further long-term progression.

Things you need to know:

• Apprenticeship open Evening is the 7th of May 2026 (6:00pm 8:00pm)
• Apprenticeship application closing date is the 14th of May 2026
• Assessment centres and interviews are the 27/28th May 2026
• Planned apprenticeship start date is the 7th September 2026

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