2026 - ThinkBig Student Technician - Heavy Equipment

Think Big Student Technician

The Think Big Student Technician is a unique opportunity for individuals wanting to start a career as a Heavy Equipment Technician with Blanchard Machinery. We are looking for potential Student Technicians for the Fall 2026 semester.

Blanchard Machinery Company, the certified Caterpillar dealer for South Carolina, has been at the forefront of providing top-notch equipment solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and our dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled diesel technicians. Our ThinkBIG program is tailored to introduce and train passionate individuals in the world of Caterpillar diesel technology.

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