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.
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 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated Master’s programme.
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.
Spending your placement within Caterpillar’s Information Services team will give you a broad experience in a broad range of disciplines within Information Services, covering multiple applications used within end-to-end business processes (Manufacturing, Enterprise Resource Planning, Finance). It will also provide good practical experience of project life-cycle management methodologies and core Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) processes including Incident/Problem & Change.
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.
As part of the team based in Desford or Stockton, you will be required to provide operational support across multiple globally used applications using ITIL processes including incident, problem and change management.
You will be supported by IT professionals who have multiple years of experience in IT Project Management, Systems Design and Business Analysis as well as receiving appropriate training to gain a wider industry knowledge to perform the role expected. Upon completion of the year, you will have gained experience and knowledge of multitude of business processes and Information Systems and an appreciation of what it takes to support and maintain small and corporate scale IT solutions.
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.
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. We want people with a genuine interest in business information systems. You will be diligent with a focus on quality, ability to work independently and within a team using your initiative. Excellent communication skills are required to interact with people from the business at all levels.
We’re excited that you’re considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.
Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.
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.
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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