Launch your career as a Caterpillar-trained Service Technician!
The ThinkBIG program is a structured development pathway that helps students transition directly into a career servicing heavy equipment, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree while gaining real-world experience through paid internships.
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How the Program Works
🎓 Blended Education + Field Experience
ThinkBIG alternates between classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training at Thompson Machinery. It starts with a schedule of classroom training followed by an internship rotation every 8 weeks or per semester over approximately two years.
🛠 Earn While You Learn
Throughout the program, participants are paid for internship assignments. This paid work gives hands-on experience working on real Cat equipment, helping prepare students for full-time work after graduation.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum blends technical classroom work and labs with real service experience. Typical focus areas include:
- Engine systems and diagnostics
- Hydraulics and mechanical systems
- Fuel systems and electrical systems
- Transmissions, torque converters, and undercarriage work
- Work orders, safety procedures, and shop workflow
Students work alongside seasoned technicians, applying classroom concepts and building confidence with advanced tools and equipment.
Benefits of the Program
💡 Career-Ready Degree
Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science, a nationally recognized degree that can also be transferred to further education at a four-year college, if desired.
💼 Paid Internships
Students earn competitive pay while working alongside their Thompson Machinery mentors, gaining exposure to world-class Cat training and development.
🧰 Tool & Tuition Support
Students receive tool purchasing assistance to purchase high-quality tools, and their tuition is paid.
📈 Career Opportunities
ThinkBIG graduates are prepared for entry-level technician roles at Thompson Machinery. From there, opportunities often open up into specialized technician roles, field service positions, and leadership paths.
🏆 Additional Benefits
- Estipendio anual para la compra de botas de trabajo
- Paid veteran holiday annually to all service members
- Training and development programs
- Uniformes de trabajo y servicios profesionales de limpieza
- Financial wellness programs
Who the Program Is For
ThinkBIG is ideal for:
- Recent high school graduates
- Individuals looking to start a hands-on technical career
- People interested in heavy equipment, machinery repair, and diagnostics
- Anyone who wants to earn a degree while earning a paycheck