2025 ThinkBIG SD - College Diesel Tech Program at Butler CAT

Overview 

Butler Machinery Co is looking for future Caterpillar Diesel Technicians. Do you have a passion for construction and mining equipment? Are you a high school student deciding on a college program or are you simply looking for a career change? Do you love working with your hands, have a great attitude, strong work ethic and possess basic mechanical skills? If you answered YES to these questions, please consider applying to the ThinkBIG program. 

Our Diesel Technology Program provides a scholarship opportunity and paid internships! 

The ThinkBIG program combines classroom and lab education at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) and paid internships at one of our 15 CAT dealerships.   ThinkBIG students receive up-to-date technical training on Caterpillar systems and equipment.  This 2-year program is divided into 9, 8-week terms, rotating from LATC to their internships at their designated store.  The internships are scheduled for the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rotations.  This education and training will provide the foundation of skills needed to begin a lucrative, life-long career in diesel technology.

Upon completion of the ThinkBIG program, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diesel Technology. Graduates will then transition to full-time employment at a Butler Machinery dealership location with technician positions starting at over $30.00/hour. Complementing the salary and benefits of a full-time position, Butler provides the potential for career advancement within the company at locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana.

Learn more about Butler’s ThinkBIG Program by visiting https://butlermachinery.com/thinkbig.com

Responsibilities for a ThinkBIG Student: 

• Maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.0 while in the program
• Work the minimum number of internship hours required by the program. (1,280)
• Prepared and on time and for work and school
• Proactively maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• Tuition, books, housing, tools, and fees not covered by scholarship 
• Secure housing arrangements at the school as well as the internship location.
• Committed to lifelong learning and training to stay ahead of industry standards
• Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs 
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications for a ThinkBIG Student:

Required

• High school applicants must be a junior or senior to apply
• A High School diploma or GED required at the program start 
• Must be age 18 by the first internship
• Application must be submitted electronically through our website
• Must be accepted by Lake Area Technical College by their application deadline

Preferred

• Applied knowledge of basic mechanical theory
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Proficient computer technology skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to meet and maintain insurability standards to drive a company vehicle
• Must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new skills quickly

Butler Machinery Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

Diversity drives innovation; inclusion drives success. We believe a multitude of approaches and ideas enable us to deliver the best results for our workforce, workplace, and customers. We are committed to fostering a culture where all employees can share their passions and ideas so we can tackle the toughest challenges in our industry and pave new paths to limitless possibility.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability