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.
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.
One Company, Limitless Opportunities
Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd is located on the outskirts of Wimborne on the Ferndown and Uddens Business Improvement District. Positioned centrally along the south coast, it is located close to national and international transport links.
With approximately 130 members of staff, there is a long and distinguished history spanning over 50 years of manufacturing marine propulsion and auxiliary engines under the Cat and Perkins Marine brands. Genset packages ranging from 1.5 litre to 7.1 litre and 7.1 litre propulsion engines are produced at the Wimborne site. The facility can boast a wealth of hugely experienced designers, engineers and technicians used to providing solutions for commercial, pleasure, and military customers. From the design, testing and building, each engine is proven before leaving the premises to ensure the best performance for the end-user.
The Apprenticeship
We are looking for one apprentice to join our team located at our Wimborne facility (BH21 7PW).
Our 15-month Level 3-degree apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Alongside on-the-job training supported by relatable mentors, apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours completing college-based learning with our partnered training provider, Bournemouth & Poole College, leading to a nationally recognised qualification, Level 3 Business Admin.
Our apprentices will earn a competitive salary package, starting at c.£18,252 per year, you will be working 39 hours per week, receiving 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and have access to a 5% annual bonus, flexible benefits, a share scheme, a pension scheme, flexible working opportunities and family-friendly policies.
You will attend Bournemouth and Poole college one day per week and work three to four days per week where you will be given the opportunity to experience different aspects of business, designed to provide you with an excellent foundation in the function.
You will be embedded in a highly skilled team and will also get to spend time in other areas of the business to fully understand our Manufacturing Operations and get to work and collaborate with people across the facility. Our apprenticeship roles will be based in each of the following areas:
During your apprenticeship, you will rotate through a variety of departments across the facility, including Purchasing, Sales, and Finance. This rotation is designed to give you a broad understanding of how the business operates and to help you develop a wide range of administrative skills. After experiencing these different areas, you will settle into a more permanent role for the remainder of your apprenticeship, allowing you to specialise and contribute to the team in a focused capacity.
The programme is offered as a 15-month fixed-term contract, on successful completion of this apprenticeship there is prospect of you being offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for long-term progression. Many of our former apprentices now occupy roles within our organisation as career development is the foundation to all our apprenticeship schemes. Depending on the needs of the business, you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications.
Entry Requirement
Minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or 4 and above or equivalent, including English and Maths. Candidates with A-level or equivalent Level 3 qualifications and degree holders who have no previous qualification within this field are also able to apply.
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
Our Culture
There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work.
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.
Recruitment Timeline
Go Live: December 22, 2025
Closing Date: February 15,
Interview Date (in-person): March 2026
Employment Start Date: September 2026
Post Apprenticeship
On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you are very likely to be offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for long-term progression. Many of our former apprentices now occupy senior management roles within our organisation as career development is the foundation to all our apprenticeship schemes.
We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeships schemes stand as testament to that. It's your time and talent, make it counts. Join us today
We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on.
Recruitment Process
Stage one – Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application; 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 two – Assessment Centre: The half day assessment centre (i.e. interview) will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. Each will consist of a group exercise, an interview and a presentation. Details will vary depending on the career area/role you are applying for. 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 chosen candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible.
We hold an Engagement Day for all new apprentices to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the facility before your employment start date. Apprentices will join the business in September
We are Caterpillar
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.
Posting Dates:
December 22, February 15, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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