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2026 - ThinkBig Student Technician - EPG Technician
Company : Blanchard Machinery
Location : Summerville, SC, 29483
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Overview
The Think Big Student Technician is a unique opportunity for individuals wanting to start a career as a Energy Service Technician with Blanchard Machinery. We are looking for potential Student Technicians for the Fall 2026 semester. Anticipated start of August 2026.
Blanchard Machinery Company, the certified Caterpillar dealer for South Carolina, has been at the forefront of providing top-notch energy 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.
Responsibilities
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 South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) and hands-on internship experiences at Blanchard Machinery.
Program Structure:
Duration: Two years (Beginning Fall 2025)
Academic Learning: Half of each semester spent at SGTC, 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 SGTC.
- Apply learned content in a real-world setting during the paid internship at Blanchard Machinery.
- Diagnose and repair Caterpillar equipment and engines.
- 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 SGTC.
- 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 SGTC.
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 SGTC program entrance requirements.
- Must pass all testing required by SGTC (one of the three: SAT, ACT, Accuplacer) and Blanchard Machinery (Mechanical Aptitude test) to be admitted into the program.
- Experience in agriculture, electrical, 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.
To learn more go to: https://blanchardmachinery.com/about/careers/think-big
To apply to the prgram at South Georgia Technical College go to:Electrical Power Generation Dealer Service Technology - SGTC (southgatech.edu)
Salt Lake City, UT
Popular Searches for Technician
Frequently asked questions
Focusing on basic mechanical concepts, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving exercises can boost your performance in the mechanical aptitude test. Reviewing sample questions related to machinery and practicing timed assessments will help meet Blanchard Machinery's standards for the ThinkBig program admission.
Expect hands-on work diagnosing and repairing Caterpillar diesel engines, applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings, and collaborating with experienced technicians. Tasks will also include safety compliance and using technology for diagnostics, providing a well-rounded technical internship experience.
This position offers a foundation in diesel mechanics combined with Caterpillar dealer experience, making graduates highly sought after for advanced technician roles. The blend of academic credentials and practical skills enhances employability within energy and heavy machinery sectors.
Certifications related to diesel technology, mechanical aptitude, and safety protocols are advantageous. Local employers, including Blanchard Machinery, value credentials aligned with Caterpillar equipment and technical college programs, boosting applicant competitiveness in the Summerville market.
With growing industrial activity and technical training programs nearby, competition is moderate but favors candidates demonstrating mechanical skills and academic commitment. Blanchard Machinery’s ThinkBig program attracts motivated students, so strong preparation and local connections enhance chances.
It uniquely combines paid internships with accredited coursework at South Georgia Technical College, focusing specifically on Caterpillar diesel technology. This dual approach accelerates skill acquisition and earns an associate degree while gaining dealer-level experience.
Success hinges on mastering diesel engine diagnostics, safety adherence, communication skills, and technical coursework. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and mechanical aptitude complements hands-on repair abilities, making candidates versatile and effective in both academic and practical environments.
Blanchard Machinery provides a blend of paid internships, personalized mentorship, and academic partnerships with SGTC, emphasizing Caterpillar equipment expertise. This creates a pipeline for career advancement within a reputable dealer network, unmatched by many competitors.
Post-internship, Blanchard Machinery offers potential job placement within the Caterpillar dealer network, ongoing training, and access to a global community of technicians. This long-term investment fosters professional growth and advancement in the energy service sector.
Paid internships for student technicians in Summerville generally range from $15 to $20 per hour, reflecting entry-level industry standards. Blanchard Machinery's ThinkBig program aligns with this, offering earnings that support students while they gain valuable experience.