Graduate - Service Operations in Glasgow

Graduate - Service Operations in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Finning

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Learn and apply engineering skills while supporting service operations and improvement projects.
  • Company: Join Finning, a leader in service operations with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
  • Other info: No prior experience required; just bring your passion for learning and teamwork.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering and make a real impact on service performance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineering or related fields.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

The Finning Service - Operations Graduate role is designed to build operational, analytical and technical capability and develop future service, engineering and technical leaders within the organisation.

Learn and apply mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering skills on Caterpillar and associated equipment.

  • Lead or support structured improvement projects focused on efficiency, cost reduction and service performance.
  • Support planned maintenance, inspection and servicing activities under supervision.
  • Assist with fault diagnosis, troubleshooting and repair activities using approved procedures.
  • Use diagnostic tools, systems and technical documentation to support equipment reliability.
  • Analyse service processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and customer experience.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives (e.g. Lean, waste reduction, standardisation, digital process improvements).
  • Collect and interpret operational data to support decision‑making and performance improvement.
  • Work collaboratively with experienced engineers, supervisors and technical specialists.
  • Maintain accurate service records, reports and documentation.
  • Actively engage in technical training, safety programmes, coaching and performance feedback.
  • Demonstrate Finning values and safety leadership in all workshop and site activities.

Competencies

  • Create Safe Environments: Focuses on creating and contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and positive workplace where people are motivated to do their best.
  • Build Loyalty: Focuses on building strong relationships to deliver common goals. It is about continuously paying attention to customer needs and adapting as these evolve.
  • Ensure Accountability: Focuses on transparency and reliability, ensuring goals are met by holding self and others accountable for meeting commitments and maintaining high standards.
  • Prepare and Deliver: Focuses on effective planning, resource management and prioritising work to meet commitments aligned with the company goals.

Specific Skills

  • Technical aptitude – ability to learn mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
  • Problem‑solving – structured approach to fault finding and diagnosis.
  • Analytical thinking – ability to interpret data and identify trends/opportunities.
  • Process improvement mindset – identifying inefficiencies and suggesting practical solutions.
  • Commercial awareness – understanding impact of service performance on cost and customer outcomes.
  • Manual and practical skills – working safely with tools, equipment and components.
  • Attention to detail – following procedures and technical standards accurately, as well as identifying potential for efficiency through inventions and process/control updates.
  • Communication – explaining technical issues clearly to supervisors and team members.
  • Teamwork – working effectively within workshop and field‑based teams.
  • Safety awareness – understanding and applying safe systems of work.

Knowledge

  • Foundational understanding of mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering principles.
  • Awareness of preventative maintenance and inspection processes.
  • Understanding of fault diagnosis principles and root cause analysis (developed during role).
  • Awareness of service operations processes and performance metrics (e.g. utilisation, turnaround time, cost efficiency).
  • Basic understanding of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, problem‑solving frameworks, etc.).
  • Awareness of the importance of equipment reliability, uptime and safety for customers.
  • Understanding of how service quality impacts customer satisfaction and operational performance.
  • Ability to work through problems systematically and propose and implement changes that improve efficiency and/or customer experience.

Accountability

  • Supporting planned maintenance and service activities in line with schedules and procedures.
  • Ensuring work is carried out safely, complying with Finning and site safety standards.
  • Identifying and escalating opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and customer outcomes.
  • Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the Service function.
  • Accurate completion of job cards, inspection reports and service documentation.
  • Escalating issues, faults or risks appropriately to supervisors.
  • Maintaining a professional approach when interacting with colleagues and customers.
  • Supporting projects that enhance customer experience.

Education & Experience

Completed undergraduate degree (Level 6 or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline such as:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Automotive, Plant, Marine or Heavy Equipment Engineering
  • Engineering Technology or similar technical field

Or an equivalent qualification that provides strong engineering fundamentals aligned to service operations.

No prior full‑time professional service engineering experience required. Experience gained through academic study, industrial placements, workshops, apprenticeships, part‑time or voluntary roles is sufficient where it demonstrates one or more of the following:

  • Exposure to hands‑on mechanical or technical work.
  • Application of safe working practices.
  • Use of tools, equipment or diagnostic systems.
  • Ability to follow procedures and technical instructions.
  • Understanding of operational discipline and teamwork.

At Finning, we prioritise creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. As a company, we continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations/adjustments to individuals with disabilities. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.

Graduate - Service Operations in Glasgow employer: Finning

Finning (UK) Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for graduates to kickstart their careers in service operations. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to technical training, mentorship from experienced engineers, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that enhance both your skills and the customer experience. Located in a dynamic environment, Finning offers a supportive workplace where innovation and teamwork are highly valued, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Finning

Contact Details:

Finning Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate - Service Operations in Glasgow

Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events

Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Finning.

Connect with Professors & Peers

Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!

Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience

When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Finning love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Finning and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Service Operations in Glasgow

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Analytical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Process Improvement Mindset
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!

Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Finning and the Graduate - Service Operations role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Finning

Brush Up on Your CAD Skills

Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Finning.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!

Show Your Team Spirit

As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Finning.

Discuss Your Future Goals

Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Finning, making you a more appealing candidate.