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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.

At Caterpillar, you build what matters—whether it’s the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies – Our work is powered by our people.

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.

Caterpillar Northern Ireland

Formerly known as FG Wilson, Caterpillar Northern Ireland was acquired by Caterpillar in 1999 and is an integral part of the Caterpillar enterprise.

The company has two sites in Northern Ireland. The facility located in Larne is home to the Electric Power business where the team designs and manufactures Cat® Power Solutions for key business sectors including data centres, construction, mining, healthcare, utility and other industries.

Our Solutions Help Our Customers Build a Better World

Customers use our products to build the basic infrastructure that enables higher standards of living so that people have access to water, electricity, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and so much more

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 named the employer of one of the top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50 2021). Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What experiences can we offer you?

Our industrial placement training scheme consists of two 6-month rotations giving you the opportunity to experience different aspects of the company. From day one you will be embedded in a team solving real world problems. You will get to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide.

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 2:2.

Job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Application Support and Development
Incident management, change management, problem management for IT activities
Network – LAN, Wi-Fi, front line support
Cyber Security – installation of patches, application testing, configuration and support
Digital manufacturing – investigate future technologies, adaptability to local sites
Liaise with business partners, external vendors on regular basis to deliver IT service
Drive operational excellence in IT services, with strong customer focus

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.

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.
You must currently be in your second year of a Computing related degree.
Knowledge and/or experience of Information Technology and Digital Technology

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 and support you need to be successful at Caterpillar.

Recruitment Process

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 attend a pre-recorded user-friendly video interview which you have one week to complete and submit. You are able to record your answers several times to allow you plenty of practice if required. Please ensure that you check your spam emails for this invite. At this stage if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre either onsite or virtually between January and April 2024.
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 8th July 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!

How do I apply?

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.

Click the apply button today and one of our friendly recruiters will be in touch.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).