At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Manufacturing Engineering Team to design and improve efficient manufacturing processes.
- Company: Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, enjoy 25 days leave, and access flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term progression and professional development after the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning and growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus A-Levels or equivalent in relevant subjects.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1160 £ per month.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you are 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.
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, with opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and more.
The Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable, real-life experiences. We are looking for 1 apprentice to join our Manufacturing Engineering Team located at our Peterborough Facility (PE1 5FQ). Our Manufacturing Engineering team is responsible for designing and improving our high-quality low-cost processes, allowing us to efficiently manufacture a range of defect-free components in line with the agreed engineering standards.
Apprenticeship Benefits:
- Competitive salary package, starting at c. £24,931 per year
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Access to a 9% annual bonus, a share scheme, a pension scheme
- Flexible benefits, flexible working opportunities and family-friendly policies
In collaboration with CU Apprenticeships (Better Futures) Ltd part of the Coventry University Group, our 53-month apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Apprentices will spend at least a minimum of 6 hours a week completing university-based learning leading to nationally recognised qualifications through the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer apprenticeship standard.
As part of this programme, apprentices are required to attend university sessions on a day release basis (online synchronous delivery once a week, and on campus sessions 1 – 2 times per month). Upon completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices can apply for IEng (Incorporated Engineer) professional registration status.
The Experience: Apprentices are responsible for driving performance and efficiency improvements into existing processes, ensuring the business can deliver customer requirements of quality, cost, and demand. Activities include but may not be limited to:
- Analysis of manufacturing processes across the Machining Centre of Excellence
- Adherence to product design requirements, cost, quality, compliance to safety standards and environmental requirements
- Work closely with a wide range of functions within the business, including Operations, Quality, Design Engineering and Supply Chain
Entry Requirement:
- GCSEs: Grade C or above in Maths and English
- A-Levels: Minimum of 96 tariff points required including Grade C or above in A-Level Mathematics and A-Level Science plus one other subject
- Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome
Our Culture: We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We believe diversity and inclusion are fundamental to innovation.
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.
Recruitment Timeline:
- Go Live: 1st December 2025
- Closing Date: 18th January 2026
- Interview/Assessment Centre Day: Between 30th March - 10th April 2026
- Engagement Day: 2nd July 2026 (provisional)
- Employment Start Date: 7th September 2026 (provisional)
If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on UKRecruitment@cat.com.
Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship - Level 6 employer: Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a comprehensive apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with academic learning at Coventry University. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a culture that values diversity and teamwork, apprentices at our Peterborough facility can expect a supportive environment where they can thrive and build a meaningful career in manufacturing engineering. The competitive salary, generous benefits package, and clear pathways for progression make Caterpillar a standout choice for aspiring engineers.
Contact Details:
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship - Level 6
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship - Level 6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
