Career Area:
Business Services
Job Description:
**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.
Career Pathways: GLCA Highschool Program
Location: Lafayette, Indiana
**Multiple Openings - 1st Shift Opportunities **
**$15.00/hr for summer then an increase to $16.00/hr for remaining semesters **
Program Begins June 15, 2026
CATERPILLAR - BUILD WHAT MATTERS
What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters!
**Our Early Career Pathways Program may just be what you are looking for! **
Caterpillar is looking for early career candidates who are looking to start a career in manufacturing.
This posting is for current High School Students attending the Career Pathways program at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy. Only those students currently in the program and available for the complete 12-month duration will be considered.
Caterpillar is excited to partner with the Greater Lafayette Career Academy to bring the 12- month Caterpillar Career Pathways program to the Large Engine Center in Lafayette, IN. Our 12-month program is designed to provide high school seniors with an opportunity to build their work skills in preparation for a long-term manufacturing trades career at Caterpillar. Selected students will participate in a multi-phase program that includes both technical and nontechnical skills needed for full-time employment in the manufacturing trades field upon high school graduation.
Through classroom and hands-on learning, participants will become proficient in various manufacturing Assembly or Machining techniques while receiving high school credit and earning a paid hourly wage from Caterpillar as follows:
Program Starts: June 15,2026
Phase I: Summer internship Phase II: Fall Semester Co-Op - For High School Credit Phase III: Spring Semester Co-Op - For High School Credit
Students may focus on either of the two focus areas below during their Career Pathways program:
- Assembly: Assembly Technicians perform the assembly of diesel and gas engines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Students will learn how to work in an assembly environment learning hands on and assisting technicians in the day-to-day assembly of our engines
- Machine Shop: Machinists perform setup, operate and maintain the operation of machining, grinding or lathe tools. Students will learn what it’s like working in a Machine Shop and the exciting work that is done to produce our engines.
Requirements & Application • Only High School students currently enrolled with the Career Center will be considered • Students must be aged 17 or older • Successful completion of a Drug Screen – Including applicable parental releases. • Availability to work all three phases of the 12 month program
General Physical Requirements: (No students will operate equipment or heavy machinery)
- Candidates for all positions must have the ability to work in a fast pace, medium to heavy duty assembly, technical environment.
- Work may involve frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling, twisting, turning, climbing, and standing on concrete for 8+ hours.
- All positions also require the ability to lift 40 pounds and withstand frequent repetitive movement of hands with a variety of tooling.
- Some positions require the ability to perform tasks on a moving conveyor under time constraints.
- Some positions require the ability to climb ladders, stairs, work on platforms and work at heights.
- Some positions require the ability to work in confined spaces.
- Some positions require the ability to wear a respirator.
- Must be able to lift and manipulate engine components during the assembly process.
- Must be able to use hand and pneumatic tools as well as automatic torque equipment.
Additional Information:
• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN
• Starting hourly pay rate of $15.00/hr for summer then an increase to $16.00/hr for the
remaining semesters
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the
responsibility of the selected candidate.
• Career Pathway's program is during 1st Shift, other shifts may be offered
• Climate controlled work environment – most areas
• Clean/safe work environment
Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position_._
#LI
Summary Pay Range:
$15.00 - $17.50
**Intern Hourly Rate: **
An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.
Intern Benefits:
The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:
- Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Volunteer Day
- Housing Stipend
- Relocation Assistance
- Medical coverage
- Voluntary benefits
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
March 24, 2026 - June 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.
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