Caterpillar
Early Career Welder Trainee
United States · Work style not stated · Full time
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About the role
Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.
- EmployerCaterpillar
- LocationUnited States
- Work styleWork style not stated
- Employment typeFull time
- Employer posted
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.
Early Career Welder Trainee
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Pay and Shift Details
Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000
Shifts Available during training: 1st Shift or 2nd Shift
Shift Availability after training: 2nd Shift
Pay Progression
- Trainee pay starting at $29.30/hour
- Incremental wage increases tied to completion of training checkpoints and certifications
- Upon successful completion of the training program pay increases to $33.35/hour
- Shift Premium (if applicable): +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift
Show full description
Job Summary
Looking to start or grow your welding career? Join the Caterpillar South Milwaukee Welder Training Program and build the skills needed to become a certified production welder while earning competitive pay from day one.
Whether you've completed a welding course, gained hands-on experience in a school shop, worked in fabrication, or simply have a passion for welding, we'll help you develop your skills through structured training, mentorship, and real-world manufacturing experience. You'll learn from experienced welders while working on some of the largest and most impressive mining equipment in the world.
This is an opportunity to build a long-term skilled trades career with a global manufacturing leader.
About Caterpillar South Milwaukee
Our South Milwaukee facility manufactures Cat® Electric Rope Shovels, some of the largest and most powerful mining machines on Earth. These massive machines support mining operations around the world and represent the highest levels of welding, fabrication, and manufacturing excellence.
As a Welder Trainee, you'll receive hands-on training while contributing to the production of world-class equipment. You'll be challenged to continuously improve your skills, grow your technical knowledge, and take pride in building products that have a global impact.
If you're looking for a place to learn, grow, and build a rewarding welding career, Caterpillar South Milwaukee is the place to start.
What You'll Do
Learn and perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing environment
Complete hands-on welding training through a structured development program
Work alongside experienced welders and receive mentorship and coaching
Read and follow work instructions, blueprints, and welding specifications
Grind, prepare, and finish weldments to quality standards
Support production of large structural steel components used in mining equipment
Maintain a safe work environment while following all Caterpillar safety expectations
Progress through welding certifications and skill checkpoints to advance your career and earnings
Minimum Qualifications
One of the following:
At least 1 year of welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
A 2-year Associate Degree in Welding from an accredited program
A 1-year Welding Technical Diploma or Certificate from an accredited program
Experience That Will Help You Succeed
Experience with Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Experience performing multi-pass welds
Familiarity with grinding, weld preparation, and metal fabrication
Exposure to blueprint reading, weld symbols, or fabrication drawings
Experience working with structural steel, heavy plate, or large weldments
Manufacturing, fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, military, or industrial experience
Personality Traits That Will Help You Succeed
Strong commitment to safety
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Ability to accept coaching and apply feedback
Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
Ability to identify quality concerns and continuously improve
Desire to develop technical skills and build a long-term career
Reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethics
Why Join Caterpillar?
Earn while you learn through a structured welding development program
Competitive starting pay with progression milestones built into the program
Mentorship from experienced welders and manufacturing professionals
Long-term career growth opportunities within Caterpillar
Comprehensive benefits package
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Day-one health, dental, and vision benefits
See the Work in Action
Check out welding at Caterpillar and see the type of equipment you'll help build:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EiikDZxJA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
How to Apply
Ready to build something big? Apply today and become part of a team that powers progress around the world.
Note: Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) regularly for updates throughout the hiring process.
Summary Pay Range:
$29.30 - $31.60
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:
October 5, 2026 - October 29, 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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At a glance
- Employment typeFull time
- SeniorityIntern
- Employer posted
- Added to ROLIVA
- Last checked