GP/WBL Partnership: High School Manufacturing Apprentice Program (Athens GA)

Caterpillar Inc.•Athens, GA

2d•$14 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is partnering with the Great Promise Partnership and Work-Based Learning programs in Georgia to give local high school students an opportunity to begin building a manufacturing career. Apprentices work at Caterpillar’s Athens plant in either assembly or logistics, supporting safe and high-quality manufacturing of excavators or small track-type tractors. This hourly apprenticeship has multiple openings, with training starting in January. Apprentices work approximately 40 hours per week during the summer and 20 hours per week during the school year. Assembly apprentices must be available for four-hour school-year work blocks starting no later than 1:30 p.m.; logistics assignments have more flexibility in working hours. The wage is $13.65 per hour, with a stated summary pay range of $13.65–$19.28. Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors at a Georgia county high school participating in the Great Promise Partnership and/or Work-Based Learning program, have parent or legal guardian support, have reliable transportation to the Athens plant, and be at least 16 years old by January 2027. An employment offer is conditioned on successfully completing a drug screen.

Requirements

Be a rising junior or senior at a Georgia high school participating in the Great Promise Partnership and/or Work-Based Learning program.
Have the support of a parent or legal guardian.
Have reliable transportation to the Caterpillar Athens plant.
Be at least 16 years old by January 2027.
For assembly assignments, be able to work four-hour blocks during the school year with a start time no later than 1:30 p.m.; logistics assignments offer more flexibility in working hours.
Meet the physical requirements for the assigned area, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Basic computer skills, including operating in a Windows-based environment and Microsoft proficiency.
Experience working in a team-based environment.
Experience working in manufacturing.
Knowledge of standard assembly tools.

Responsibilities

For assembly assignments, follow documented procedures to safely assemble and adjust parts and components without defects.
For assembly assignments, apply lean manufacturing concepts to support continuous improvement and eliminate waste.
For assembly assignments, use industrial power tools and lifting devices to assemble and move heavy components.
For logistics assignments, perform material-handling and warehousing functions.
For logistics assignments, order fill, process, store, and pick parts, materials, equipment, and supplies.
For logistics assignments, assess parts for damage and defects.
Use documents to verify part numbers, part locations, and quantities.