Test & Engine Finish Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3

Career Area:

Operations

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

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.

Job Title: Test & Engine Finish Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3

Location: Stafford       

Salary: Starting salary c.£15,932

Benefits:  25 Days Annual Leave, Employee Discount/Benefits Scheme, Employee Assistance Scheme, 5% Annual Bonus, Pension Scheme, Share Scheme, Free Parking Free EV Charging

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (dependant on the college days and age of the apprentice, this will be spread across 4 days of the week)

We are Caterpillar

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure.

We are Caterpillar. Are you?

One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Power & Energy – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless and with our support you can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

The Apprenticeship: “Let’s do the work”

Manufacturing Operations are responsible for leading production employees to execute the assembly, test, paint, and engine finish processes within the manufacturing facility including the quality department and logistics department, to deliver a world-class product to our customers.  This role utilises the Caterpillar Production System (Lean Manufacturing) Principles to deliver People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) improvements and results.

The purpose of this level 3 engineering apprenticeship role is to develop individuals within the manufacturing department. Who are responsible for the assembly, testing, painting, and shipping of the engines to the customers, additional they are responsible for doing this in a world class manor ensuring defect free engines being shipped to customers on time. With this role being focused on the Test & EFD (Engine Finish Department).

Throughout all your apprenticeship you will be adding value to the product and the business, whilst working towards achieving a recognised qualification which will set you up well for a successful career within Perkins Engines.

During this 4-year apprenticeship, you will be given the opportunity to experience different aspects of manufacturing, designed to provide you with an excellent foundation in your future. From day one you will be embedded with the Test & EFD team, solving real world problems. You will get to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide. Engine Testing is the team that are responsible for ensuring that all the engines assembled at our Stafford facility meet all the requirements and expectations of our customers as well as all national and international regulations. Responsible for the safe and efficient testing of the engines, our team in test also look for opportunities to improve our processes, working closely with other department in the facility. Engine Finishing is the team that are responsible for the spraying painting and final customer preparations of the engine. They will receive a tested engine from test and then wash, clean, prepare, spray paint and finish the engine for final quality inspection prior to the shipping of the engine to the customer, working closely with logistics and quality.

Even though your apprenticeship will be based within the Test & EFD department, with will experience rotations in the following departments:

• Engine Assembly: Our Stafford facility produces both inline and vee engines to meet the requirements of our customers. Our assembly team ensure the right parts are fitted to the right engines and that they are done to the highest possible standard. In addition to our main production lines, the assembly team includes our sub-assembly processes, where amongst other things, they assemble turbos and exhaust systems.

• Quality Department: Our quality department are responsible for maintaining our excellent reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality products. Our quality department is responsible for checking engines during the build process, during the test process and before they are delivered to our customers. In addition to this, the quality team deal with our suppliers, ensuring that what we get is as high quality as we deliver to our customers.

What we need from you: “Knowledge and competencies” 

• Good Communication skills

• Good time management and organisation skills

• Basic PC skills (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc)

• 5 GCSEs (or academic equivalents) at Grade C / Level 4 or above.

  • Which must include:

    • Maths & English

    • A Science or Engineering subject

  • Or completed one-year full- time Further Education and achieved Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 (6 units) or equivalent qualification with Maths and English.

NOTE: Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before September 2026.

• Our training provider is South Staffordshire College (Cannock campus), Cannock bus station is opposite the campus and the train station is a 10-minute walk. There is no free parking for those who attend who have their own cars.

Post Apprenticeship: “You can build the career you want here” 

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified Engineering Technician and may be offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for further long-term progression.

During your apprenticeship you will be assigned a department manager who is responsible for your day-to-day work, a training manager who is responsible for your training and placements and additional a apprentice coach to guide you through your time on the scheme and to carry out regular reviews without you and teach you everything you will need to know to have a successful career.

Things you need to know:

• Apprenticeship open Evening is the 7th of May 2026 (6:00pm 8:00pm)

• Apprenticeship application closing date is the 14th of May 2026

• Assessment centres and interviews are the 27/28th May 2026

• Planned apprenticeship start date is the 7th September 2026

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.

 

Posting Dates:

April 14, 2026 - May 14, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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