Early Career Welder Trainee
About The Position
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 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.
Requirements
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000
- Incremental wage increases tied to completion of training checkpoints and certifications
- Shift Premium (if applicable): +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift
- 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
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
