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.
12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme
We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.
*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2025, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.
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.
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?
As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That’s why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects.
You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. That said, you will be given all the support you require to be successful.
Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager or a technical expert who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar and help you gain the professional development and skills you need to be set up for success! Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace.
We also operate a conditional offer process; our highest performing placement students are fast tracked to our graduate development scheme. This includes a financial incentive and the potential of a summer work placement. Offers will be made based on the condition that a graduate role is available at the time of your graduation and that you achieve a min of 2:1.
On our GMET Industrial Placement Program, we are looking for innovators. Those who embrace new technologies and are continuously learning, and those who are curious to explore all personal development opportunities they can. Someone who wants to have a real impact on our organisation during your time with us.
The projects you could be working on may be broad-ranging and vary in size, giving you exposure to the principles of manufacturing engineering & technology and, how a project environment operates. You will also have:
- Opportunities to work on delivering world-leading technology solutions to enable Caterpillar IPSD to build its digital future.
- Business exposure and accountability right from the outset.
- Investment in your personal development with forward-thinking digital learning opportunities.
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing technology whilst immersing yourself in challenging technical projects.
- The opportunity to learn from industry experts.
- Flexible working in a fast-paced professional and dynamic environment.
- Opportunities to gain a professional mentor from either the IMechE or IET and use your year in the industry to progress towards professional qualifications.
- Be part of a large community of placement students across multiple disciplines.
- The opportunity to be fast-tracked onto one of our graduate programmes.
We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new placement students to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters before you begin your placement.
Who are we looking for?
You should be able to demonstrate teamwork, have strong communication skills that can be applied to all levels of the business and be self-motivated with an enthusiasm for engineering and technology. You should be able to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, the ability to analyse problems and offer outside-of-the-box solutions.
Knowledge in the application of design packages (AutoCAD, Creo), 3D printing, tooling, and fixture design as well as an appreciation of PLC software is desirable. A predicted 2:1 Honour’s degree or equivalent preferably in a STEM subject, examples include but are not limited to the following:
- Automotive Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing and Operations
- Digital and Technology Solutions
- Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering and Technology
- Digital Manufacturing Engineering
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Digital Technology Innovation
- Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering with Management
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 25th February 2025 onsite at our Peterborough 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. Placement students will start on 7th July 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).