At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in measuring OEE and supporting exciting maintenance projects.
- Company: Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Earn £26,000, enjoy 25 days leave, and access a share scheme.
- Other info: Fast track to graduate roles for top performers with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate year with a focus on engineering disciplines.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 31200 £ per year.
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.
12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme
Discipline: Maintenance Engineering
Location: Peterlee, County Durham
Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved in strategic projects.
Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2026, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.
What do we do? 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.
Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success. Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat® Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction, and aggregates.
Diversity at Caterpillar: When we leverage our people’s experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success.
Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace. We also operate a conditional offer process; our highest performing placement students are fast tracked to our graduate development scheme.
Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Measuring OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and supporting on availability improvement projects
- Safety projects with Maintenance Lead
- Maintenance process creation and implementation
- Assistance to Maintenance Support Engineers with Multi-Generational Product Planning (MGPP) projects
Who are we looking for? We are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard-working, and will embrace change. In return for your dedication and hard work, you will be provided with excellent career opportunities and strong support for your personal and career development.
Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline – Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
Recruitment Process Guidelines:
- Online Application: Complete the online application and attach your CV before the closing date.
- Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to complete a user-friendly video interview.
- Stage two - Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving.
- Stage three – Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates.
Placement students will start on 6th July 2026. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!
NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Maintenance Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme) employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and innovation thrive. Located in Peterlee, County Durham, our 12-month Maintenance Engineering placement provides students with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment, alongside competitive benefits such as a £26,000 salary, share scheme, pension, and generous annual leave. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring every individual can reach their full potential while contributing to our mission of building a better world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme)
✨Get Involved with Engineering Societies
Join your university's mechanical engineering society or local engineering clubs. These spaces are golden for networking and often host events where companies scout for placement candidates. Plus, you’ll meet like-minded peers who can share opportunities.
✨Utilise Your University's Career Services
Don't sleep on your university's career centre! They often have exclusive placement programmes and can connect you with companies actively looking to hire students. Pop in or check their website for events like career fairs, which can open doors for your placement.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Skills
Create a portfolio of your engineering projects that showcases your skills and creativity. Whether it's a CAD design or a hands-on project, having something tangible can make you stand out when meeting potential employers. Share it during networking events or on your LinkedIn.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you spot a placement position at companies like Caterpillar Inc., don’t just rely on job boards. Go straight to their website and apply! This shows genuine interest in the company and can sometimes give you a leg up since you'll be applying where they want candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In mechanical engineering, showcasing any personal or academic projects can really set you apart. Include detailed descriptions in your CV about your design processes, tools you used, and any challenges you overcame. This helps us see your practical skills in action!
Relevant Coursework Matters:For a placement, it’s great to highlight related coursework or projects that align with mechanical engineering principles. Mention specific topics or modules you've excelled in that demonstrate your understanding of the field. Make sure this info shines in your cover letter as well!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for mechanical engineering and why you’re excited about the placement at Caterpillar Inc.. Share what you hope to learn and how you can contribute, focusing on your eagerness to grow and gain hands-on experience.
Don’t Forget Certifications:If you've completed any relevant certifications or courses—like CAD software or specific engineering methods—definitely mention those! They can be a huge plus in a mechanical engineering placement application, showing us you’re proactive in developing your skill set.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Show Off Your Technical Problems Skills
Get ready to tackle some real-world engineering problems during your placement interview. You might be asked to solve things on the spot or work through case studies, so brush up on your problem-solving techniques and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Know Your Software Tools
Mechanical engineering often involves specific software like CAD and MATLAB, and they might throw in some questions about them. Make sure you're pretty familiar with how these tools work and maybe even show off a project where you used them, as this could really impress your interviewers at Caterpillar Inc..
✨Emphasise Your Learning Potential
As it's a placement, they're looking for enthusiasm to learn as much as your technical skills. Be ready to talk about what you hope to gain from the experience and how you plan to apply what you've learned in your studies so far to real-world scenarios at Caterpillar Inc..
✨Prepare for Hands-On Assessments
Often for placements, you might face practical assessments or group tasks. Don't be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience during the interview, whether it's from university projects, competitions, or part-time jobs. Showing you've got the practical skills to back up your studies will set you apart!
