2026 - ThinkBig Student Technician - EPG Technician
Company : Blanchard Machinery
Location : Greenville, SC, 29605
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 2 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)Popular Searches for Technician
Frequently asked questions
Success in this role hinges on a solid foundation in diesel engine diagnostics, Caterpillar equipment familiarity, and mechanical aptitude. Candidates should also be comfortable with Microsoft Office tools and demonstrate strong communication abilities to blend classroom learning with hands-on internship tasks effectively.
The position splits time equally between technical coursework at South Georgia Technical College and a paid internship at Blanchard Machinery. This combination ensures students apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world Caterpillar equipment servicing, accelerating skill acquisition and career readiness.
Graduates emerge with an Associate of Applied Science degree and one year of Caterpillar dealership experience, positioning them strongly for technician roles across the energy service sector. The affiliation with Blanchard Machinery opens doors for upward mobility within a globally recognized equipment network.
Greenville's industrial landscape shows a growing need for skilled diesel and energy technicians, particularly with companies like Blanchard Machinery investing in talent pipelines. This program uniquely taps into that demand, offering a competitive edge through accredited education and hands-on training.
While the ThinkBig program covers core competencies, additional certifications like OSHA safety training or EPA technician certifications can enhance employability in Greenville’s energy sector, reflecting regional safety standards and environmental compliance priorities.
Blanchard Machinery’s program integrates specialized Caterpillar diesel technology exposure with paid work hours, combining academic rigor and practical application in a supportive dealer environment. Interns gain direct mentorship and real equipment troubleshooting experience uncommon in typical internships.
Blanchard Machinery emphasizes safety, excellence, and community impact. Student technicians are encouraged to embody these values by maintaining safe work practices, striving for quality in diagnostics and repair, and fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with the company’s mission.
Paid internships in this program offer industry-aligned wages reflecting Greenville’s market rates for entry-level energy technicians. Combining education with salary, the package supports financial stability while building specialized skills, making it an attractive option for aspiring technicians.
Interns engage in diagnosing and repairing Caterpillar engines, collaborating on technical problem-solving, and applying classroom knowledge in practical scenarios. The role involves physical tasks like lifting and equipment handling, alongside using diagnostic tools and software to ensure operational efficiency.
The company offers structured scheduling that aligns internship hours with academic calendars, fostering a manageable balance. Mentorship and open communication channels help students navigate challenges, ensuring both educational success and meaningful hands-on experience.