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.
Are you ready to build what matters? Build More Than Machines. Build a Career.
Caterpillar is looking for candidates that want to build a career. You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional – and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits that begins on Day ONE and paid training.
We don’t lead our industry - our people do. Watch our video to see our team build top-of-the-line skid steer loaders and compact track loaders.
The two-year apprenticeship program is an exciting vocational opportunity that tracks participating high school students into an adult apprenticeship, preparing you for employment at the Caterpillar Fabrications Facility in Sanford, NC and in similar industries.
Welder Apprentice will take classes at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) three days a week during your Junior and Senior years of high school. In addition to your high school studies, you will learn blueprint reading, workplace safety, and basic, stick plate, and inert gas welding. For two days a week, you will be at the Caterpillar plant, receiving customized training through CCCC's Industry Services Office and accelerated training through Caterpillar.
Welder Apprentice will work with skilled welders while being paid by the Company for the working/training time at its facility.
During the summer between your Junior and Senior years, you will work and train up to 32 hours per week as paid apprentice.
At the completion of the program, successful graduates will have:
A Welding Certificate from Central Carolina Community College
A N.C. Dept of Labor certificate for completing the youth apprenticeship
Completed the 80-hour Caterpillar Accelerated Training Program
Completed hours to be credited toward their adult apprenticeship
Worked part-time at Caterpillar for two years
Basic Qualifications:
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):
Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
Ability to perform repetitive operations
Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
Additional information: Resumes are encouraged for all applicants. This welding apprentice position starts at $13.30/hour and is located in Sanford, NC.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O
Summary Pay Range:
$13.30 - $15.30
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
March 17, 2026 - March 19, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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