Post by Tom Calver

Great to be back The King's (The Cathedral) School for Year 12 Futures Day! I shared my journey since leaving school – from applying to Caterpillar twice (and not getting in the first time), to taking the opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. In between, I worked in the motor industry as a car salesman, where I gained valuable experience in communication, resilience, and working with people – skills that helped me return better prepared for a second shot at Caterpillar. I also spoke about the time I took out to travel – stepping away from work for a while to experience new cultures and see more of the world. Taking that time helped me reset, reflect, and gave me a clearer sense of direction. Sometimes, stepping back can be just as important as pushing forward. It was great to show the students the wide range of opportunities Caterpillar offers – from the variety of roles across the business to the real-world benefits of a degree apprenticeship. It’s a great way to earn, learn, and grow your career in a global company that opens doors far beyond what you might expect. Big thanks to Chris Dunn and the school for having me back! #futuresday #careerjourney #Caterpillar #degreeapprenticeship #STEMcareers #opportunity #impactthatmatters