2026 ThinkBIG ND - College Diesel Tech Program

Butler Machinery; Devils Lake (ND); On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship opportunity

Paid internships

Job summary

Butler Machinery Co. invites high school juniors and seniors to apply for the ThinkBIG Diesel Technology program in North Dakota.

The two-year program combines classroom and lab education with paid internships at Butler stores, leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology. Graduates enter full-time roles starting at over $31.78/hour with career advancement opportunities across multiple states.

Qualifications

• Must have basic mechanical skills and a hands-on mindset.
• High School diploma or GED required at program start. Must be a junior or senior to apply.
• Must be 18 by the first internship and apply electronically through the website.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 while in the program.
• Works required internship hours (1,280 hours).
• Punctual for work and school commitments.
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Works independently and in a team setting.
• Tuition, books, housing, tools, and fees not covered by scholarship.
• Secures housing at school and internship locations.
• Committed to lifelong learning and training to stay current.
• Able to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic mechanical skills

Hands-on learner

Education

High School diploma or GED

Junior or Senior in HS to apply

Job description

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 North Dakota School of Science and Technology (NDSCS) and paid internships at one of our 10 stores. 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 NDSCS 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 $31.78/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 NDSCS 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

EOE/Vet/Disability