2026 - ThinkBig Student Technician - Heavy Equipment

Program Overview:

The Think Big Student Technician position, based on Blanchard Machinery's ThinkBIG Program, is designed to foster the development of skilled diesel technicians through a blend of classroom learning at Florence Darlington Technical College (FDTC) and hands-on internship experiences at Blanchard Machinery.

Program Structure:

• Duration: Two years (Beginning Fall 2026)
• Academic Learning: Half of each semester spent at FDTC, facilitating technical and general education courses.
• Paid Internship: Remaining time spent working at a sponsoring dealer, applying learned content in a real-world setting.
• Outcome: Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, one year of Caterpillar dealer experience, and a year's wages from the sponsored internship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to a positive work environment and promotes the vision, mission and values of BMC.
• Completes all job responsibilities in a safe manner, promotes and champions a safe and healthy work environment.
• Attend technical and general education courses at FDTC.
• Apply learned content in a real-world setting during the paid internship at Blanchard Machinery.
• Diagnose and repair Caterpillar equipment.
• Engage in both academic and practical assessments to demonstrate skill development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

• Successful completion of technical and general education courses at FDTC.
• Effective application of learned skills during the internship.
• Achievement of an Associate of Applied Science degree upon program completion.
• Adherence to all program requirements and standards set by Blanchard Machinery and FDTC.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
• Gain Caterpillar dealer experience.
• Paid internship hours.
• Become a member of the worldwide Caterpillar family with potential opportunities for advancement.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• The program demands a commitment to both academic and practical learning, requiring effective time management and dedication.
• Graduates will be highly skilled and in-demand, presenting opportunities for career advancement within the Caterpillar dealer network.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must meet FDTC program entrance requirements.
• Must pass all testing required by Florence Darlington Technical College (one of the three: SAT, ACT, Accuplacer) and Blanchard Machinery (Mechanical Aptitude test) to be admitted into the program.
• Experience in agriculture, heavy equipment, or another mechanical field preferred.
• Microsoft office experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must interview and secure sponsorship by a local branch.
• Must be able to pass background check and drug screen.
• Must meet company driving policy requirements.

Working Conditions:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work primarily inside throughout the day, however this position may also require working in non-climate-controlled environments as well as outdoors.
• Position requires employees to be physically present at designated worksite locations.
• Requires standing, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, turning, lifting.
• Seeing, reading, and writing to complete job responsibilities.
• Use of computers and other forms of technology to complete job responsibilities.
• Travel to school for class and designated branch for internship hours