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 .  
• 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