At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a MIG Welder, producing high-quality welds for Caterpillar machinery.
- Company: Caterpillar, a global leader in manufacturing with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, every other Friday off, and strong overtime opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a clean, modern workspace with structured processes and a focus on safety.
- Why this job: Secure a long-term position with excellent earning potential and job stability.
- Qualifications: MIG welding experience and ability to read engineering drawings required.
Location: Stockton-on-Tees
Site: Caterpillar Manufacturing Facility
Contract Type: Ongoing Contract
Start Date: ASAP, subject to successful trade test and onboarding
Overview of the Role:
We are recruiting experienced MIG Welders to join the manufacturing team at the Caterpillar facility in Stockton-on-Tees. This is a long-term contract opportunity within a high-volume production environment. The work is quality-driven, making it ideal for welders who are confident producing consistent welds to a high standard. The site is a clean, modern manufacturing facility with structured processes, clear quality standards, and a strong health and safety culture.
Platers and Fabricators are also encouraged to apply, particularly those with strong MIG welding experience and the ability to pass the onsite welding trade test. Candidates from fabrication and plating backgrounds often transition well into this role due to their understanding of engineering drawings, fit-up, and welding procedures.
What the Role Involves:
As a MIG Welder, you will be responsible for welding components and assemblies used in Caterpillar machinery. Typical duties include:
- Carrying out MIG welding according to approved procedures.
- Producing fillet and butt welds to specified quality standards.
- Loading pre-fabricated parts into purpose-built welding jigs and fixtures.
- Completing repeat production welds accurately and consistently.
- Inspecting your own work to ensure weld quality and dimensional accuracy.
- Working closely with platers, fabricators, and production operators.
- Meeting daily production targets while maintaining quality.
- Following strict health, safety, and quality procedures.
- Keeping your workstation clean and organised.
This role is based in a production-led welding environment where:
- Most welding is completed in the PA (flat) and PB (horizontal) positions.
- Minimal overhead or awkward positional welding is required.
- Components are held securely in jigs, reducing manual handling.
- Work is repetitive and process-driven.
- Quality and consistency are the main priorities.
Pay Rates:
- Days - Β£18.98 per hour
- Back Shift - Β£22.78 per hour
- Nights - Β£24.10 per hour
- Overtime (1.5x) - Β£28.47 per hour
- Sundays (2.0x) - Β£37.96 per hour
There is excellent earning potential for candidates willing to work overtime and weekends.
Shift Pattern:
The role operates on a rotating two-week shift pattern.
- Week 1 β Day Shift (39 Hours)
- Monday to Thursday: 06:45 β 15:00
- Friday: 06:45 β 12:45
- Week 2 β Back Shift (33 Hours)
- Monday to Thursday: 14:45 β 23:00
- Friday: 10:45 β 16:45
Average Weekly Hours: Average of 36 hours per week.
Every Other Friday Off: Because of the rotating shift structure, employees benefit from every other Friday afternoon off, supporting a better work-life balance.
Weekend Overtime: Weekend working is regularly available depending on production requirements.
Typical Weekend Shift: Friday to Sunday 07:00 β 19:00
Additional Information:
- Weekend shifts are optional but often available.
- Additional weekend cover may be requested during busy periods.
- All weekend work is paid at enhanced overtime rates.
- Sunday work is paid at double time (Β£37.96/hr).
- Weekend overtime can significantly increase weekly earnings.
Benefits:
- Every other Friday off.
- Subsidised on-site canteen.
- Free on-site parking.
- Modern, clean manufacturing facility.
- Long-term contract with stability.
- Strong overtime opportunities.
- Structured and well-organised production environment.
- Supportive team-based culture.
Trade Test Requirements:
All candidates must pass an on-site welding test before starting. Suitable candidates will have:
- Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent industrial welding experience.
- Strong MIG welding skills.
- Experience in production, manufacturing, or jig-based environments.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and welding instructions.
- Good understanding of welding quality standards.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Reliable and punctual attitude.
- Commitment to health and safety.
- Ability to work rotating shifts.
- Confidence to pass the welding trade test.
Site Environment:
- A clean and organised workspace.
- Modern welding equipment and fixtures.
- Clearly defined production processes.
- Strong health and safety standards.
- Team-focused working culture.
- Consistent long-term workload.
This position offers:
- Long-term job security with a global manufacturing company.
- Competitive hourly rates.
- Excellent overtime opportunities.
- Clean and well-run working environment.
- Predictable shift patterns.
- Opportunity to build experience with a world-renowned manufacturer.
Apply now to secure your opportunity to join Caterpillar in a long-term, well-paid welding position with excellent overtime potential and a clear start date.
Welder in Stockton-on-Tees employer: Morson Edge
Caterpillar is an exceptional employer, offering MIG Welders a stable and rewarding career within a modern manufacturing facility in Stockton-on-Tees. With a strong focus on quality, health and safety, and a supportive team culture, employees benefit from structured processes, competitive pay rates, and excellent overtime opportunities, all while enjoying every other Friday off for a better work-life balance. Join us to be part of a globally recognised company that values your skills and provides ample growth opportunities in a clean and organised environment.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Welder in Stockton-on-Tees
β¨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the Caterpillar facility before applying. Familiarising yourself with the environment and equipment can give you a leg up during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your MIG welding skills and ensure you're ready to impress during the trade test. Consistency is key, so show them you can produce quality welds every time.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or join welding forums to gather insights about the company culture and expectations. This can help you tailor your approach when you apply.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Caterpillar.
We think you need these skills to ace Welder in Stockton-on-Tees
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your MIG welding experience and any relevant skills. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so donβt be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why youβre passionate about welding and what excites you about working at Caterpillar. Keep it concise but engaging β we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since quality is key in this role, mention specific examples of how youβve maintained high standards in your previous work. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their craftsmanship!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
β¨Know Your Welding Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your MIG welding techniques before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with fillet and butt welds, as well as any specific procedures you've followed in past roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but also understand the quality standards expected in a high-volume production environment.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Engineering Drawings
Since the role involves working with engineering drawings, take some time to review how to read and interpret them. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of fit-up and welding procedures during the interview will set you apart from other candidates. It shows that you can hit the ground running in a structured production environment.
β¨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Quality is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about how you ensure the accuracy and quality of your welds. Share examples of how you've inspected your own work in the past and maintained high standards. This will reassure the interviewer that you take pride in your work and are committed to meeting production targets without compromising quality.
β¨Show Your Commitment to Health and Safety
With a strong health and safety culture at the Caterpillar facility, it's crucial to convey your understanding and commitment to these practices. Discuss any relevant training or experiences you've had that demonstrate your reliability and punctuality, as well as your ability to work safely in a team-focused environment.