2025 Think Big Student Heavy Equipment Technician - Blanchard Machinery Company

Blanchard Machinery Vision: Build, Power, and Shape a better tomorrow.

Blanchard Machinery Mission: BMC is a values driven business bringing the best talent, solutions, and products to every experience. We are your dependable partner committed to the safety and success of our people, partner, and communities.

Blanchard Machinery Values: Safety, Integrity, Accountability, Communication, and Collaboration

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 (Begining Fall 2025)
• 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

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 one year of Caterpillar dealer experience.
• Receive a year’s wages during the sponsored internship.
• 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.
• Meets all student acceptance requirements for Florence Darlington Technical College.
• Must pass all testing required by Florence Darlington Technical College (one of the three: SAT, ACT, Accuplacer) and Blanchard Machinery (DAT Mechanical Aptitude test) to be admitted into the program.
• Must interview and secure sponsorship by a local branch.
• Must pass background check and drug screen.
• Mechanical background is preferred.