At a Glance
- Tasks: Kick-start your career by developing operational and technical skills in a hands-on environment.
- Company: Join Finning, a leader in service operations with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a structured graduate development programme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with cutting-edge equipment and improving service performance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering fields; strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Kick-start your career with Finning as a Graduate - Service Operations, where you will develop into a future leader within our Service, Engineering, and Technical teams. This structured graduate opportunity is designed to build your operational, analytical, and technical capabilities through hands-on experience with Caterpillar and associated equipment.
The Graduate - Service Operations will gain exposure to the end-to-end service lifecycle. Supporting maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, while playing an active role in improving service performance, efficiency, and customer outcomes. Whether your focus becomes more technical or operational, you will be supported through training, mentoring, and real-world experience in a collaborative, safety-first environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for graduates who want to combine engineering expertise with problem-solving, data analysis, and continuous improvement to make a visible impact.
Key Responsibilities:- Learn and apply mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineering skills across Caterpillar and related equipment
- Support planned maintenance, inspections, servicing, and repair activities under supervision
- Assist with fault diagnosis and troubleshooting using approved diagnostic tools and processes
- Contribute to structured improvement projects focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and service performance
- Analyse service processes and identify opportunities to improve quality, turnaround time, and customer experience
- Support continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, waste reduction, standardisation, digital enhancements)
- Collect, interpret, and utilise operational data to support performance decisions
- Collaborate with experienced engineers, supervisors, and technical specialists across workshop and field operations
- Maintain accurate service documentation, job cards, and technical reports
- Actively participate in training programmes, coaching, and safety initiatives
- Demonstrate strong safety leadership and uphold company values in all activities
- Degree (Level 6 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as: Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive, Plant, Marine, Heavy Equipment Engineering, Engineering Technology or Business Management
- Strong technical aptitude with an interest in mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and identify trends or improvement opportunities
- Problem-solving skills with a structured approach to fault finding and root cause analysis
- Interest in process improvement, efficiency, and operational excellence
- Good communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly
- Team-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively in workshop and field environments
- Attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures accurately
- Strong safety awareness and commitment to safe systems of work
- Commercial awareness and understanding of how service performance impacts customers and cost
In addition to a competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday + bank holidays and up to 7% pension you will benefit from:
- A comprehensive benefits package
- Structured graduate development programme
- Hands-on experience with industry-leading equipment and technology
- Opportunities to work on real improvement projects with business impact
- Supportive environment focused on safety, learning, and career progression
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. Furthermore, 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. 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate - Service Operations in Leeds
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Dive into practical projects, even if they're DIY at home or in your community. Many engineering firms are impressed by real-world application, so build something cool and document it! Showing action is way more impactful than just talking about theories.
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering clubs at your university or local societies. These communities often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities that can lead you to internships or traineeships. Plus, you'll meet like-minded folks and get a chance to show off your enthusiasm!
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Programme
Don’t underestimate the power of university connections! Reach out to alumni who’ve ventured into engineering roles. They might have insider tips or even know of traineeship opportunities at places like Finning. A warm introduction can often go a long way.
✨Apply Early and Often
Trainee positions can fill up fast, so get your applications in as soon as you spot them! Keep an eye on our website for openings at companies like Finning. The earlier you apply, the more chances you’ll have to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Service Operations in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:As you’re applying for a trainee role in engineering, make sure to list your relevant technical skills prominently on your CV. Include any specific software or tools you’ve used (like CAD software) and mention specific projects or coursework that showcases your hands-on experience. We want to see what you’ve done and what you can bring to the table!
Get Personal with Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Finning. Talk about what drives you and any specific areas of engineering you're keen on exploring further. We love to see your motivation and how you plan to grow in this role. Tailor it to us, and we’ll notice!
Highlight Your Educational Journey:Since this is a trainee position, your educational background is key! Make sure to mention not just your degree, but any relevant certifications or additional training you’ve taken. If you're a recent graduate or still studying, we want to see how your studies connect to this role in engineering.
Include Group Projects or Internships:If you’ve worked on any group projects or have had internships, make sure to call them out in your application. Collaboration is vital in engineering, so we want to see how well you’ve worked with others in real-world scenarios. Sharing this experience can set you apart from other trainees applying to Finning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finning
✨Speak the Lingo
Engineering is packed with technical jargon, so brush up on relevant terminology. Whether it's CAD software or the basics of thermodynamics, you might be asked to explain concepts or tools you're familiar with. Using the right language shows you're not just a newbie but someone who's got a genuine interest in the field!
✨Problem-Solving in Action
Expect technical questions or scenarios where you’ll be asked to solve engineering problems. Practise logic puzzles or review relevant project cases you've worked on, even if they're part of your studies. Showcasing your critical thinking skills is key, especially in a trainee position where they want to see your potential!
✨Show Us Your Projects
As a trainee, your portfolio might not be extensive, but bring along any relevant projects you’ve completed during your studies. Highlighting your hands-on experience, even if it’s from coursework or internships, gives the interviewers at Finning a tangible taste of your skills and what you can bring to their team.
✨Be Ready to Learn
In a trainee role, demonstrating a willingness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt to new challenges, as this is a trait many companies, including Finning, will be looking for. They want to see that you’re not just eager to hit the ground running, but also keen to grow within the engineering field!
