Summary
Gain practical experience in assembly within numerous manufacturing areas, whilst working for a global leader and becoming qualified. In addition to comprehensive training and industry-specific qualifications, Earn £16,035.28 + Bonus.
Wage
£16,035.28 a year
The annual salary applicable to this apprenticeship is £16,035.28 per annum + bonus,
Training course
Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)
Hours
(Onsite) Monday to Thursday, 07:00 to 16:00, and Friday, 07:00 to 10:30. On the job times will vary according to the business demand and subject to departmental variations. Shifts TBC by employer at interview.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
1 year 3 months
Positions available
16
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
You will join a driven and motivated team of Apprentices, within a leading manufacturing organisation, supplying the Worldwide Construction Industry.
During your Apprenticeship, you will gain knowledge, skills and experience, while completing hands on tasks, assembling Construction Products, alongside gaining your formal qualifications, which are recognised and fully transferrable within the manufacturing sector.
You will be working in assembly production areas within the business, which are fast paced, physically demanding. You will be assembling components to a high-quality standard and to strict deadlines.
This apprenticeship has been designed to run for 15 months. Your first 12 months are based on working towards your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing and your skills, knowledge, and behaviours as you develop your knowledge of manufacturing principles and techniques alongside your work skills.
Following your first 12 months with Caterpillar, you will then be entered for your end-point-assessment.
Your end point assessment will comprise of two assessments:
* Observation with questions and answers
* Professional discussion
Upon successful completion, you will achieve the Lean Manufacturing Operative Standard and your Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing.
To be successful for this role, you will have a keen sense of achievement and take pride in the work you undertake.
Key responsibilities:
* Adhering to Caterpillar Values in Action
* Follow and utilise Lean System principles
* Follow documented standard work procedures/instructions to perform safe and defect free assembly of parts and components
* Using various hand, power tools and lifting equipment provided in the work area
* Support continuous improvement reporting
* Working within the production line assembling Caterpillar products
* Following written and verbal instructions
* Working in fast paced production lines
* Adhere to the Organisation's health & safety policy and safe working practices
* Working to real time orders and targets
* Completing your qualification within the Academy period to a high standard
* Gaining hands on experience
Where you’ll work
Peckleton Lane
Desford
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE9 9JT
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
DCG
Your training course
Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
Your training plan
Training:
* Lean system principals
* Monthly review and coaching
* First class Health and Safety and manufacturing training
Leading to achievement of:
* Level 2 Diploma in Lean Manufacturing (Skills and Knowledge)
* Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2)
* Fixed-term contract (15 months)
Lean manufacturing operative Level 2 - All training will be delivered at the Caterpillar Academy on-site at Desford.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 2/E or L1 Functional Skills)
* Maths (grade 2/E or L1 Functional Skills)
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 3/D or above/equivalent)
* Maths (grade 3/D or above/equivalent)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
* Organisation and Co-ordination
* Interest in Manufacturing
Other requirements
The government guidance for young workers brings additional restrictions and control measures to support and follow apprentices under 18 years, for which our large manufacturing facility is not set up. We are reviewing what additional opportunities we might offer in other areas of our business. You will always be emailed, text and called to confirm your interview slot. Reality Check: Repetitive role Working in a manufacturing environment can be loud, fast-paced, with the need to meet targets/deadlines Role will involve physical tasks Must be able to follow instructions every time to ensure the quality of the product is consistent May be standing for long periods You must be able to travel to the vacancy location on a daily basis and be on time Benefits: Company share scheme Annual holiday allowance of 262.5 hours Caterpillar advantage scheme, discount site for many major retailers Access to our sports and social club, including our onsite Gym. Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling. Free parking All training takes place at the Caterpillar Desford Site. Your tutors come to you. Day shift work will be required along with undertaking of the training programme and work placement training. The initial training programme will be undertaken within the first 6-8 weeks, within the Academy at Caterpillars Desford site.