Electrician Trainee

Caterpillar Inc. • Morton, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrician Trainee role is an entry pathway into skilled trades at Caterpillar’s Morton facility. The approximately 36-month program combines hands-on plant learning with coursework through Illinois Central College (ICC), with tuition, books, and fees covered. Scheduled class days count as paid eight-hour workdays; non-class days are spent completing on-the-job training at the Morton facility. Trainees develop the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to move into an Electrician position.

Training covers maintenance troubleshooting, electrical and circuitry fundamentals, machine power transmission, interpreting prints and schematics, operating basic machine tools, hydraulic repair and maintenance, industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations, and basic CNC functions. Electrician training includes diagnosing and repairing electrical issues, installing and maintaining commercial wiring, working with advanced circuitry and electrical components, using and calibrating electronic testing equipment, performing preventative electrical maintenance, and supporting electrical work throughout the facility.

The position is based in Morton, Illinois. The program start date is January 4, 2027. Relocation assistance is not available. Candidates must pass a background screening, drug screening, post-offer medical questionnaire, and clearance from Corporate Medical. Successful completion of a two-hour skills assessment is required at program completion.

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.
• Pass a background screening, drug screening, post-offer medical questionnaire, and Corporate Medical clearance.

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 while completing coursework through Illinois Central College.
• Troubleshoot a variety of equipment and learn basic electrical and circuitry fundamentals.
• Learn machine power transmission, print and schematic interpretation, basic machine tool operation, hydraulic system repair and maintenance, industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations, and basic CNC functions.
• Diagnose and repair electrical issues.
• Install and maintain commercial wiring systems.
• Work with advanced circuitry and electrical components.
• Use, calibrate, and maintain electronic testing devices, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic counters.
• Perform preventative electrical maintenance and support electrical work throughout the facility.
• Perform additional maintenance tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Starting pay of $21.49 per hour, with increases tied to demonstrated skill progression.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Fully funded Associate’s Degree in Applied Science through ICC, covering tuition, books, and fees (63 credit hours).
• Scheduled class days count as paid eight-hour workdays.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Health Lifestyle Programs and Employee Assistance Program.
• Voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
• Career development.
• Incentive bonus.
• Disability benefits and life insurance.
• Parental leave and adoption benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed