GP/WBL Partnership: High School Welding Apprentice Program (Athens GA)
About The Position
Caterpillar is partnering with the Great Promise Partnership (GP) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs in Georgia to offer local high school students the opportunity to begin building a welding career. Apprentices work in welding functional areas to safely build excavators or small track-type tractors. This is an hourly apprenticeship position based at Caterpillar’s Athens plant, starting in January. Apprentices work approximately 40 hours per week in the summer and 20 hours per week during the school year, with school-year work scheduled in 4-hour blocks. The starting rate is $13.65 per hour, with a stated pay range of $13.65–$19.28 per hour. Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors at a Georgia high school participating in the GP and/or WBL program, have parent or legal guardian support, reliable transportation to the Athens plant, and be at least 16 years old by January 2027. They must pass the specified AWS D1.1 weld test. Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. An offer is conditioned on successful completion of 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 support of a parent or legal guardian.
- Have reliable transportation to the Caterpillar Athens plant.
- Be able to work during the school year in 4-hour blocks of time.
- Be at least 16 years old by January 2027, prior to the start date.
- Pass the AWS D1.1 weld test: fillet tests in the 2F (horizontal), 3F (vertical), and 4F (overhead) positions, and a limited-thickness groove test in the 1G (flat groove) position. Welds are visually inspected, destructively tested with a bend test, and sectioned to verify proper penetration.
- Be willing and able to sit or stand for prolonged periods, perform repetitive operations, and lift up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Nice To Haves
- Good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
- Experience operating robotic welding systems.
- Experience reading blueprints.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or welding environment.
- A good discipline record.
- Intermediate proficiency in welding skills, such as MIG or TIG.
- Proficiency in reading AWS welding symbols.
- A resume is highly encouraged; failure to attach one may result in the application not being considered.
Responsibilities
- Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines.
- Perform quality checks using weld and attribute gages and other measuring tools.
- Repair defective welds in station using grinders.
- Follow documented procedures, standard work, and routings to perform safe, defect-free operations and create and machine components.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits, subject to plan eligibility and terms.
- 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.
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
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
