and get started with your career in just two years
Start the Online Application ProcessIf you have a great attitude, strong work ethic and basic mechanical skills, you can begin your education and training to become a Caterpillar Technician through ThinkBIG. ThinkBIG, Caterpillar’s Dealer Technician Education Program, is designed to develop entry-level diesel service technicians for Caterpillar dealerships like Butler Machinery Company in North Dakota and South Dakota. Caterpillar Inc. and Butler Machinery have partnered with North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, ND, and Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, SD to offer ThinkBIG students the best combined classroom education and hands-on learning to prepare them for a lucrative and life-long career in the skilled trades.
Apply TodayThinkBIG students receive up-to-date technical training on Cat equipment and systems through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory learning and a paid internship at a Butler Machinery dealership location to further the learning from the classroom and lab. Upon completion of the ThinkBIG program, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diesel Technology, and an official Caterpillar endorsement. Graduates will have the opportunity for full-time employment with a Butler Machinery dealership location, and great potential for career advancement within the company.
The ThinkBIG program is divided into nine terms. Terms will rotate between classroom/lab instruction at either North Dakota State College of Science or Lake Area Technical College, and a paid internship at a Butler Machinery Company location. During the paid internship, students will earn over $18 per hour, with a mandatory minimum of 1,280 total internship hours spent learning and working in the dealership.
Following completion of the ThinkBIG program, graduates have the opportunity to step into full-time employment with a Butler Machinery dealership location with technician positions starting at $26 per hour. Complementing the salary and benefits of a full-time position, Butler provides potential for career advancement within the company.
Full-time Technician Classification | Pay Scale |
---|---|
Service E | $26.39 per hour |
Service D | $28.59 per hour |
Service C | $33.02 per hour |
Service B | $36.26 per hour |
Service A | $39.50 per hour |
Service Technician | $42.76 per hour |
Feel free to reach out with an email to BecomeATech@ButlerMachinery.com or give us a call at (605) 226-5004.
Learn about a career at Butler