Manufacturing Apprentice

Summary

Gain practical experience in assembly within numerous manufacturing areas, whilst working for a global leader and becoming qualified. In addition to comprehensive training and industry-specific qualifications, Earn £16,035.28 + Bonus.

Wage

£16,035.28 a year

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The annual salary applicable to this apprenticeship is £16,035.28 per annum + bonus,

Training course

Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)

Hours

(Onsite) Monday to Thursday, 07:00 to 16:00, and Friday, 07:00 to 10:30. On the job times will vary according to the business demand and subject to departmental variations. Shifts TBC by employer at interview.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

16

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

You will join a driven and motivated team of Apprentices, within a leading manufacturing organisation, supplying the Worldwide Construction Industry.

During your Apprenticeship, you will gain knowledge, skills and experience, while completing hands on tasks, assembling Construction Products, alongside gaining your formal qualifications, which are recognised and fully transferrable within the manufacturing sector.

You will be working in assembly production areas within the business, which are fast paced, physically demanding. You will be assembling components to a high-quality standard and to strict deadlines.

This apprenticeship has been designed to run for 15 months. Your first 12 months are based on working towards your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing and your skills, knowledge, and behaviours as you develop your knowledge of manufacturing principles and techniques alongside your work skills.

Following your first 12 months with Caterpillar, you will then be entered for your end-point-assessment.

Your end point assessment will comprise of two assessments:

Observation with questions and answers
Professional discussion

Upon successful completion, you will achieve the Lean Manufacturing Operative Standard and your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing.

To be successful for this role, you will have a keen sense of achievement and take pride in the work you undertake.

Key responsibilities:

Adhering to Caterpillar Values in Action
Follow and utilise Lean System principles
Follow documented standard work procedures/instructions to perform safe and defect free assembly of parts and components
Using various hand, power tools and lifting equipment provided in the work area
Support continuous improvement reporting
Working within the production line assembling Caterpillar products
Following written and verbal instructions
Working in fast paced production lines
Adhere to the Organisation's health & safety policy and safe working practices
Working to real time orders and targets
Completing your qualification within the Academy period to a high standard
Gaining hands on experience

Where you’ll work

Peckleton Lane
Desford
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE9 9JT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

DCG

Your training course

Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Your training plan

Training:

Lean system principals
Monthly review and coaching
First class Health and Safety and manufacturing training

Leading to achievement of:

Level 2 Diploma in Lean Manufacturing (Skills and Knowledge)
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Fixed-term contract (15 months)

Lean manufacturing operative Level 2 - All training will be delivered at the Caterpillar Academy on-site at Desford.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 2/E or L1 Functional Skills)
Maths (grade 2/E or L1 Functional Skills)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 3/D or above/equivalent)
Maths (grade 3/D or above/equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Physical fitness
Organisation and Co-ordination
Interest in Manufacturing

Other requirements

The government guidance for young workers brings additional restrictions and control measures to support and follow apprentices under 18 years, for which our large manufacturing facility is not set up. We are reviewing what additional opportunities we might offer in other areas of our business. You will always be emailed, text and called to confirm your interview slot. Reality Check: Repetitive role Working in a manufacturing environment can be loud, fast-paced, with the need to meet targets/deadlines Role will involve physical tasks Must be able to follow instructions every time to ensure the quality of the product is consistent May be standing for long periods You must be able to travel to the vacancy location on a daily basis and be on time Benefits: Company share scheme Annual holiday allowance of 262.5 hours Caterpillar advantage scheme, discount site for many major retailers Access to our sports and social club, including our onsite Gym. Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling. Free parking All training takes place at the Caterpillar Desford Site. Your tutors come to you. Day shift work will be required along with undertaking of the training programme and work placement training. The initial training programme will be undertaken within the first 6-8 weeks, within the Academy at Caterpillars Desford site.

About this company

Since 1925, Caterpillar Inc. has been helping our customers build a better world - making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2019 sales and revenues of $53.8 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel electric locomotives. Services offered throughout the product life cycle, cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise set Caterpillar apart, providing exceptional value to help our customers succeed. The company principally operates through three primary segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.

https://www.caterpillar.com/desfordapprenticeships (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Company share scheme Caterpillar advantage scheme, Discount site for many major retailers Access to our sports and social club, including our onsite Gym. Employee Assistance Programme, which includes free counselling Free parking

After this apprenticeship

An Apprenticeship Standard as a Lean Manufacturing Operative is designed to help you progress your career within the manufacturing industry
The qualifications are related to jobs roles such as: Manufacturing Operator, Assembly Operator, Production Assistant or working towards, Team Leader within a wide range of manufacturing disciplines
Caterpillar’s Apprenticeship scheme offers an opportunity to gain 15 months experience within a Global Leading Manufacturer. You may be eligible to move onto a further Apprenticeship or to apply for any internal positions

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DCG

enquiries@caterpillar-apprenticeships.co.uk

01332 387420

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000312743.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 31 May 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please follow the below link to apply via the dedicated Caterpillar webpage. Click the word 'apply' to register your interest

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