Building Essential Skills 4 Life

Caterpillar has multiple career pathways available to its employees and to those looking to start a new career. A great example of one of these pathways is the E4L (Essential Skills 4 Life) Student Trainee Program provided by our East Peoria Campus facilities.

Through this program, Caterpillar partners with Peoria Manual High School and Morton High School. Students rotate mentors and areas within a facility five times throughout their school year, providing them with a broad understanding of manufacturing. Students are taught life skills, such as interview training, resume writing, time management, budgeting, and they also hear from guest speakers. These learning programs are essential for student vocational training and provide additional career development opportunities within manufacturing.

These facilities hosted a signing day with nine of their student trainees at the Caterpillar Visitor Center in downtown Peoria, IL. These nine seniors have been offered positions either as full-time production employees or as college interns. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of these students, mentors and our leadership team. The success of this program is a direct reflection of their hard work, dedication and commitment” said Timothy Y., Drivetrain Operations Manager and guest speaker at Wednesday’s event.

This program and pathway wouldn’t be possible without the Program Coordinators, the dedicated mentors and the supportive leadership teams at these facilities. Congratulations to these students and welcome to Caterpillar! 

Our internships and development programs are a terrific opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience and contribute to real-world projects. Learn more about opportunities that align with your skills and search for available positions.