Building Welding Skills and Careers with Team Caterpillar

During Welding Month, we celebrate the skilled welders across Caterpillar's Resource Industries Operations & Products (RIOP) who help build the machines that move the world. From precision work to mentoring the next generation, welding at Caterpillar is about craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous growth. 

 

At the Decatur facility, Miles B. and Blake G. represent two points along that journey – one who has grown through the Career Pathways program into a full‑time welding role, and one who is just getting started but already building momentum.

Miles’ interest in welding started early. While still in high school, he took welding classes and quickly realized it was the trade he wanted to pursue. When he learned about Caterpillar’s Career Pathways program, the path forward became clear. 

 

“I really wanted to pursue a career in welding, and I figured Caterpillar was a really good company for it,” Miles said. 

 

That interest turned into awe the first time he toured the Decatur facility. “I showed up and was like, wow. I never would have thought I’d be welding on machinery this big,” he said. “It’s super cool.”  

 

Like many new welders, Miles quickly learned that welding large frames isn’t just about the weld itself – it’s about understanding the entire process on the shop floor. “There’s so much surrounding just welding in general,” he explained. “It took a long time to learn everything that goes into every single frame we build.”  

 

Support from experienced leaders made a difference. Early in his career, Miles leaned on his supervisor when the learning curve felt steep – help that allowed him to grow both technically and mentally. Even today, he notes that learning never really stops. 

Now a full‑time welder, Miles is helping train Blake G., who is currently in the Career Pathways program. Stepping into a mentor role was an easy decision. 

 

“I really like the program and what Caterpillar does for kids right out of high school,” Miles said. “When I came in, I didn’t really have anyone to ask questions, so I try to be that resource for others.” 

 

For Blake, that support has made a real impact. “My biggest learning curve is the big welds,” Blake said. “I’m not used to laying welds this large, and it’s hard, but Miles has helped me through all of it.”

Blake entered the program with some high school welding experience, but working on massive equipment is a whole new challenge. With coaching from Miles, he’s made strong progress, especially on more complex weld positions. 

 

“My overhead and vertical welds were a big challenge at first,” Blake shared. “Miles helped me put in extra work, and I’ve gotten a lot better since I started.”  

 

Looking ahead, Blake is focused on growth. “I’m excited to climb the ladder and see how far I can go at Caterpillar,” he said. “I want to learn these trucks inside and out.” 

 

His advice to others considering Career Pathways or a skilled‑trades career is simple and grounded in experience. “You’ve have to practice all the time,” Blake said. “And talk to people who’ve done it – learn from them and see where you can improve.”  

During Welding Month, stories like Miles’ and Blake’s highlight what makes RIOP strong: skilled trades, hands‑on learning, and people willing to invest in each other. From experienced welders to those just starting their journey, every weld plays a role in building quality products – and strong careers.