Career Area:
Students and GraduatesJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.
12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme
Discipline: Human Resources
Location: Peterlee UK
Salary: 26000 Share Scheme Pension 25 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays)
We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved and at the heart of our business participating on strategic projects.
*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2026 you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated masters program.
Who is Caterpillar
Caterpillar is the worlds leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment diesel and natural gas engines industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Operating from 50 countries around the globe the Caterpillar brand has developed into a symbol of strength respect and integrity. The organisation has a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which it operates. Our core values (Integrity Excellence Teamwork Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.
What do we do
Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including miningconstructionand aggregates. The facilitys manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques robotictechnologyand a state-of-the-art paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.
The Human Resources (HR) team which you will work within are responsible for partnering with leaders and employees throughout the business; working towards maximising the potential of each employee and making sure Caterpillar is a great place to work. Together with the extended team in Caterpillars UK HR In Country Team and Corporate HR they represent the whole spectrum of HR.
Diversity at Caterpillar
When we leverage our peoples experiences backgrounds and cultures in an inclusive environment we enable every individual to achieve their full potential which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Womens Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
What experiences can we offer you
Core HR (Employee Relations) Placement Role
You will gain invaluable experience working predominantly within the core HR team (Employee Relations Team). In addition to working with the core HR team you will also be exposed to recruitment and selection learning anddevelopmentand occupational health.
You will gain professional experience which will ultimately allow you to transition into a general HR practitioner. The role will provide you with solid grounding and will be the catalyst from which you are able to progress and continue your commitment to a career in Human Resources. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local placement with an international employer.
Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
OT&D Department Placement Role
You will gain invaluable experience working predominantly within the OT&D team (Organisation Talent and addition to working with the OT&D team you will also be exposed to human resources recruitment and selectionand occupational health.
You will gain professional experience which will ultimately allow you to transition into a learning and development professional. The role will provide you with solid grounding and will be the catalyst from which you are able to progress and continue your commitment to a career in Human Resources or Learning and Development. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local placement with an international employer.
Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Who are we looking for
Skillsexperiencesand qualifications you must have:
Skillsexperiencesand qualifications you may have:
Recruitment Process Guidelines:
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles
Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV this must be done before the closing date of the role that youre applying for. Once we reach the close date we will begin reviewing all our applications this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.
Stage one Video Interview: If selected you will be invited to complete a user-friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage if you are successful you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre on 26th February onsite at our Peterlee facility so please try to keep that date free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.
Stage two - Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork decision-making communication and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun inclusive and as relaxed as possible.
Stage three Offer: After the Assessment Centre the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Placement students will start on 6th July 2026. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!
NOTE: Only one application is required please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.
The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
Pending the number of applications the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
Click the apply button today and one of our friendly recruiters will be in touch.
Please note that this position requires working onsite for five days a week.
Posting Dates:
December 9 2025 - January 9 2026Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.