Career Area:
Students and Graduates
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: HR Apprentice – Level 5
Salary: £21,400 circa + Production Bonus (rising after 12 months when objectives are met)
Location: Desford, Leicestershire
Contract: 25‑month practical apprenticeship
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week
Start Date: September 2026
Ready to start your HR career? Join Caterpillar and learn from experienced professionals while you work towards your Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship (aligned to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management).
You’ll get real experience across HR, supporting day‑to‑day operations, employee relations, learning and development, people data and projects, so you can build the skills and confidence for a long‑term career in HR.
What you will learn:
People Operations & HR Admin: Give first‑line HR advice and support the full employee journey (from onboarding to leavers).
Employee Relations: Help with casework and learn how policies and employment law work in practice.
Learning, Development & Engagement: Organise training and activities that improve the employee experience.
People Analytics & Reporting: Work with HR data, collect it, check it, and share it in a clear way.
HR Projects: Get involved in projects that shape culture, policy, reward and digital HR.
NB. 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.
What you can demonstrate:
GCSE English & Maths at Level 2 (or willingness to complete during the apprenticeship)
Minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent
Clear communication: comfortable talking to people and writing clearly
Strong organisation: accurate with data, records and daily tasks
Curious problem solver: asks questions and looks for better ways of working
Professional and confidential: handles sensitive information with care and good judgment
Predicted grades are accepted — any offer will depend on you achieving the required results before September 2026.
Important: When applying, clearly show your qualifications and any relevant experience. We cannot make assumptions when shortlisting. If we receive a high number of applications, criteria may be tightened.
What You Will Get
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 Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.
Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Training & Benefits:
Fully funded Level 5 apprenticeship and CIPD Level 5 qualification
27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy more
Production Bonus
Pension – Caterpillar doubles your contribution up to 10%
Share scheme – Caterpillar matches 50% of your contribution
Employee Support Networks and wellbeing resources
Free onsite parking and Caterpillar employee discounts
We believe diversity and inclusion are fundamental to innovation. We respect and value people with different opinions, experiences and backgrounds and believe that by working together, we can produce better results than any of us can achieve alone. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.
Don’t miss out, get your application in soon!
This position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
March 16, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
