Early Career Welder Trainee

Early Career Welder Trainee

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining 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 don't just 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.

Location: South Milwaukee, WI

Pay and Shift Details

Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000

Shifts Available during training: 1st Shift or 2nd Shift

Shift Availability after training: 2nd Shift

Pay Progression

• Trainee pay starting at $29.30/hour
• Incremental wage increases tied to completion of training checkpoints and certifications
• Upon successful completion of the training program pay increases to $33.35/hour
• Shift Premium (if applicable): +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift

Job Summary

Looking to start or grow your welding career? Join the Caterpillar South Milwaukee Welder Training Program and build the skills needed to become a certified production welder while earning competitive pay from day one.

Whether you've completed a welding course, gained hands-on experience in a school shop, worked in fabrication, or simply have a passion for welding, we'll help you develop your skills through structured training, mentorship, and real-world manufacturing experience. You'll learn from experienced welders while working on some of the largest and most impressive mining equipment in the world.

This is an opportunity to build a long-term skilled trades career with a global manufacturing leader.

About Caterpillar South Milwaukee

Our South Milwaukee facility manufactures Cat Electric Rope Shovels, some of the largest and most powerful mining machines on Earth. These massive machines support mining operations around the world and represent the highest levels of welding, fabrication, and manufacturing excellence.

As a Welder Trainee, you'll receive hands-on training while contributing to the production of world-class equipment. You'll be challenged to continuously improve your skills, grow your technical knowledge, and take pride in building products that have a global impact.

If you're looking for a place to learn, grow, and build a rewarding welding career, Caterpillar South Milwaukee is the place to start.

What You'll Do

• Learn and perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing environment
• Complete hands-on welding training through a structured development program
• Work alongside experienced welders and receive mentorship and coaching
• Read and follow work instructions, blueprints, and welding specifications
• Grind, prepare, and finish weldments to quality standards
• Support production of large structural steel components used in mining equipment
• Maintain a safe work environment while following all Caterpillar safety expectations
• Progress through welding certifications and skill checkpoints to advance your career and earnings

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 1 year of welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• A 2-year Associate Degree in Welding from an accredited program
• A 1-year Welding Technical Diploma or Certificate from an accredited program

Experience That Will Help You Succeed

• Experience with Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Experience performing multi-pass welds
• Familiarity with grinding, weld preparation, and metal fabrication
• Exposure to blueprint reading, weld symbols, or fabrication drawings
• Experience working with structural steel, heavy plate, or large weldments
• Manufacturing, fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, military, or industrial experience

Personality Traits That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong commitment to safety
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to accept coaching and apply feedback
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Ability to identify quality concerns and continuously improve
• Desire to develop technical skills and build a long-term career
• Reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethics

Why Join Caterpillar?

• Earn while you learn through a structured welding development program
• Competitive starting pay with progression milestones built into the program
• Mentorship from experienced welders and manufacturing professionals
• Long-term career growth opportunities within Caterpillar
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Day-one health, dental, and vision benefits

See the Work in Action

Check out welding at Caterpillar and see the type of equipment you'll help build:

Summary Pay Range:

$29.30 - $31.60

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 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

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

August 4, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.