Electrician Trainee

Caterpillar•Morton, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Electrician Trainee role is an entry pathway into skilled trades at Caterpillar’s Morton facility. Over approximately 36 months, trainees earn a wage while completing hands-on plant learning and coursework through Illinois Central College. Caterpillar covers all tuition, books, and fees for a fully funded Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Scheduled class days count as paid eight-hour workdays, and non-class days are spent completing on-the-job training at the Morton facility. The program is intended to develop the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to move into an Electrician position. The training covers maintenance troubleshooting across a variety of equipment; electrical and circuitry fundamentals; machine power transmission; print and schematic interpretation; basic machine tools and CNC functions; hydraulic repair and maintenance; and industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations. Electrician training includes diagnosing and repairing electrical issues, installing and maintaining commercial wiring, working with advanced circuitry and electrical components, using and maintaining electrical testing equipment, performing preventative electrical maintenance, and supporting electrical work throughout the facility. The position is based in Morton, Illinois. Starting pay is $21.49 per hour, with increases tied to demonstrated skill progression. Relocation assistance is not available. The program start date is January 4, 2027. Successful candidates must pass a background screening, drug screening, and post-offer medical questionnaire and receive clearance from Corporate Medical.

Requirements

Interest in learning new technical skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to pass a two-hour skills assessment at program completion.
Comfort working around high-voltage equipment, heavy machinery, and elevated work areas.
Ability to stand for long periods of 8–12 hours.
Ability to work in tight or congested spaces when required.
Successful completion of a background screening, drug screening, and post-offer medical questionnaire, with clearance from Corporate Medical.

Nice To Haves

Previous electrical work or training.
Familiarity with reading basic schematics or blueprints.
Familiarity with basic machine shop tools.

Responsibilities

Complete hands-on maintenance and electrical training in the plant and coursework through Illinois Central College.
Troubleshoot maintenance issues across a variety of equipment.
Learn electrical and circuitry fundamentals, machine power transmission concepts, and how to read and interpret prints and schematics.
Operate basic machine tools and learn basic CNC functions.
Perform hydraulic system repair and maintenance and industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations as part of training.
Diagnose and repair electrical issues.
Install and maintain commercial wiring systems.
Work with advanced circuitry and electrical components.
Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic counters.
Calibrate and maintain electronic testing devices.
Perform preventative electrical maintenance and support electrical work throughout the facility.
Perform additional maintenance tasks as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
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.
Fully funded Associate’s Degree in Applied Science through Illinois Central College, including tuition, books, and fees.
Scheduled class days count as paid eight-hour workdays.
Starting pay of $21.49 per hour, with increases tied to demonstrated skill progression.