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2026 - ThinkBig Student Technician - EPG Technician
Company : Blanchard Machinery
Location : Hardeeville, SC, 29927
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 13 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
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Frequently asked questions
The program integrates academic courses at South Georgia Technical College with a paid internship at Blanchard Machinery, allowing participants to apply diesel technology concepts practically while earning an associate degree and gaining industry experience in Hardeeville's energy sector.
Balancing technical studies with real-world repairs demands strong time management and adaptability. Students must excel in both academic assessments and hands-on diagnostics, often working in varied environments including workshops and outdoor sites, which builds resilience and skill versatility.
Applicants need to pass entrance tests such as SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer for South Georgia Technical College, alongside a mechanical aptitude test by Blanchard Machinery. Meeting these ensures readiness for the technical demands and safety standards of the program.
Graduates earn a specialized associate degree coupled with dealer experience and industry connections, positioning them competitively for technician roles and leadership opportunities across Caterpillar’s extensive dealer network, especially in the growing South Carolina equipment service sector.
Proficiency in diagnosing diesel engines, familiarity with Caterpillar systems, mechanical troubleshooting, and effective communication are critical. Hands-on internship experience hones these skills, aligning with Hardeeville’s demand for skilled energy service technicians.
The role emphasizes safety, continuous learning, and collaboration, mirroring Blanchard Machinery’s commitment to excellence. Interns contribute to a positive workplace environment while gaining practical skills, fostering both personal and professional growth aligned with the company’s mission.
Hardeeville’s growing industrial landscape increases demand for skilled technicians, but the ThinkBig program’s unique blend of paid experience and education makes it highly sought-after. Candidates with mechanical backgrounds and strong testing results tend to stand out in this competitive local market.
Entry-level student technicians typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour during internships in Hardeeville, reflecting regional cost of living and industry pay scales. This compensation, combined with education benefits, provides a solid foundation for future technician roles.
Sponsorship by Blanchard Machinery ensures access to tailored mentorship, hands-on training with Caterpillar equipment, and a pathway to full-time employment. This partnership enriches the learning journey by aligning academic progress with real-world industry demands in South Carolina.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and diagnostic software for Caterpillar diesel engines is highly beneficial. Proficiency in these tools supports efficient communication, troubleshooting, and reporting, essential for success within Blanchard Machinery’s tech-forward service environment.