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. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Graduate Scheme
We currently have lots of exciting opportunities for Graduates to join Caterpillar across the UK!
New graduates are critical to the success of our business. You power our success, and we are committed to empowering yours. After all, when your work can impact the entire world, it’s important to do work that matters.
We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success and in return, we will provide you the training, mentoring, and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar.
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.
Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.
We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.
Caterpillar’s Desford facility is part of the Building Construction Products (BCP) division, manufacturing a range of world class Backhoe Loaders and Compact Wheel Loaders, as part of the wider BCP range of products. Desford is more than just a production facility – it is home to a range of functions with global scope, including HR, Finance, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Marketing.
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.
We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
What experiences can we offer you?
From day one, you’re set up to thrive at Caterpillar: helpful training, relatable mentors, global experience, competitive salary package, work-life balance, and the growth opportunities you expect with global business.
Your two-year Graduate Development Programme will be tailored to ensure you gain a broad understanding of your chosen field and build the foundations of a successful career. You will get the support, guidance and training you need to be successful at Caterpillar. You will also have opportunity to gain experience working with our global Caterpillar customers.
You will have the opportunity to work with other facilities across our global organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.
Job duties and responsibilities
- Manage facility engineering capex projects from conception to commissioning.
- Use influence and expertise to manage external contractors and internal customers and peers to ensure effective delivery of projects.
- Effectively communicate progress to key stakeholders and the wider business.
- Effectively forecast project and regular expense costs, manage and communicate project budgets.
- Use a variety of problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate, reacting to flexible customer requirements and technical issues.
- Responsible for plant equipment contracted servicing and compliance on specific allocated equipment.
- Contractor management – qualification of contractors to work on site, inductions, approval of RAMS, permit issuing, work supervision.
- Use a variety of software applications such as CAD, CMMS, Contractor management software, to aid project design, contractor supervision, and contractor and employee safety.
- Ensure Caterpillar is meeting its corporate agenda and targets in all aspects of work, including sustainability and carbon reduction, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement using new technologies.
- Technical support for maintenance and internal customers.
- React dynamically to breakdowns when required, working in a safe and efficient way to minimize downtime.
What happens after the graduate scheme?
Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will progress into a key role where you will directly contribute to the operational and project activity that is at the heart of our business. We will provide you with the training and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar, in a global organisation there are so many possibilities!
Who are we looking for?
As the type of roles within our business are becoming more diverse, 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 to pursue a career within Caterpillar.
- Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline: Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maths, Sciences.
We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new UK placement students to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the UK before you start your placement.
Recruitment Process Guidelines
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles.
Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.
Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to complete a user-friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on Wednesday 23rd April 2025 onsite at our Desford facility so please try to keep that date free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.
Stage two - Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.
Stage three – Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Graduates will start on 8th September 2025. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!
Come join us!
How do I apply?
NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.
The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).