Field Service Apprentice in Gateshead

Engineering Apprentices required to help us build a sustainable future. Join our team as an apprentice and we will help you to build your future. We are looking for diverse Engineering Apprentices. No experience is required, just a willingness to learn and have an interest in engineering/heavy plant. Apply now and start your exciting journey.

Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting, and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including construction, petroleum, forestry, and a wide range of power systems applications.

You must have a driving licence and have held it for a minimum of 1 year. We offer a 4-year Apprenticeship as an Engineering Technician where you will be supported to work alongside our Field Engineers to carry out planned and unplanned maintenance, inspections, diagnostics and rebuilds on Caterpillar equipment. You will attend training blocks at Finning’s Training Academy in Cannock throughout your apprenticeship to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours for your apprenticeship standard. These blocks can be 1, 2, 4 or 6 weeks long. You will then apply those new knowledge and skills in your branch workplace. All hotel/travel costs are covered by Finning UK & I. Apprenticeship duration can be reduced for applicants with recognised prior learning in the industry sector. This will be determined during the initial assessment process.

During the first two years of the apprenticeship, you will develop skills in fundamentals, maintenance, and repair. The final two years will allow you to develop advanced diagnostic skills and repair techniques to include but not limited to:

• Undertake, overhaul, repair, or refurbishment work on Caterpillar equipment
• Carry out standard diagnostic tests on Caterpillar components
• Carry out planned maintenance and general repairs
• Complete commercial assessments and field inspections
• Check and record all parts and materials required for preparation work

Essential Skills

• Ability to communicate with customers in writing, over the phone and face-to-face
• Motivated to solve engineering problems
• Passionate about starting a career within the Engineering sector
• A flexible approach to work and learning
• Team player
• Embracing all regardless of their background or diversity (inclusive)

Education

England, Wales & NI applicants – GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths grades A-C or the numbered equivalent (9-4). ROI applicants – Hold qualifications in both English and Maths at Irish Leaving Certificate graded Ordinary 1-4 or graded higher 1-7. Scotland applicants – hold qualifications in both English and Maths at National (N5) Grade 5 or above.

You must be aged 16+ and have the right to live and work in the UK or Ireland. You must have a driving licence and have held it for a minimum of 1 year.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Finning is a Disability Confident Employer, and we welcome applications from people who regard themselves as disabled. Regardless of your background or diversity we recruit on merit and encourage applications from all people in society. We do however have an under-representation of women in Engineering and would welcome applications from people who identify as women. Finning prioritises creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or mental or physical disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations/adjustments during the recruitment process; please inform your recruiter if you require an adjustment. Finning is a forces-friendly employer having signed the Armed Forces Covenant and pledges to treat those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, fairly.

Benefits & Start Date

• Use of laptop and mobile phone
• 25 days annual leave per year
• Life assurance of three times your basic salary
• Access to our free employee assistance programme (7 days a week all year round)
• Work uniform and PPE provided
• Caterpillar accredited in-house training from an award-winning provider
• Mentor
• Hotel accommodation, food and travel paid for when on training (if required)
• Competitive living wage paid

Successful applicants can expect their Apprenticeship to start in September 2026.

At Finning, we prioritise creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.