ThinkBIG Student - Earthmoving (Fall 2027)

Thompson Lift Truck; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tools and uniform provided

Tuition and lab fees covered

Caterpillar training

Paid internships

Job summary

The Thompson Tractor ThinkBIG Scholarship Program in Birmingham partners with SGTC to offer a paid two-year college-level apprenticeship. Participants earn an Associate’s Degree in Applied Diesel Technology while gaining real-world experience through internships and Caterpillar-specific training.

Upon graduation, students are offered guaranteed employment at Thompson Tractor, with growth paths from technician to leadership roles within the company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required at the start of the program.

Skills

Self Motivated

Time Management

Verbal Communication

Technical

Mechanical

Education

High School or Equivalent

Job description

ThinkBIG Student - Earthmoving (Fall 2027)

ThinkBIG Scholarship Program – Earthmoving Heavy Equipment
Thompson Tractor partners with South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) to offer the Caterpillar ThinkBIG Scholarship Program. The ThinkBIG Scholarship is a paid, two-year college-level program that combines courses and hands-on training at one of our localbranches.

Participants earn an Associate's Degree in Applied Diesel Technology while gaining real-world experience through paid internships, Caterpillar-specific training and advanced diagnostics on heavy equipment. T he program emphasizes a combination of machine diagnostics and repair including engines, hydraulics, powertrains, and fuel systems.

What’s Included:

• Paid, rotating 8-week internships
• 8-week classroom and lab sessions at SGTC
• Caterpillar-specific technical training
• Tools, toolbox, and uniforms
• Tuition, books, and lab fees covered by Thompson Tractor

Program Focus:

• Heavy equipment engines
• Marine propulsion systems

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age 18+
• High school diploma or equivalent required at the start of the program.
• Ability to pass drug screen, physical, and background check
• Meet SGTC and Thompson Tractor admission standards
• Qualifying ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores

After Graduation:
Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, students are offered guaranteed employment at Thompson Tractor. Graduates begin their career as a technician with Thompson Tractor, with growth opportunities ranging from shop or field technician to leadership and management roles.

Paying for the Program:

After you are accepted and enrolled into the program, Thompson Tractor covers the cost of tuition, books, lab fees and graduation fees for the full two-year course of study. The cost of room and board, deposits, as well as personal transportation will be yours to pay.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Self Motivated

Intermediate

Time Management

Intermediate

Verbal Communication

Advanced

Advanced

Technical

Some Knowledge

Mechanical

Some Knowledge

Education

Required

High School or Equivalent or better.

Experience

Preferred

Mechanical/technical aptitude preferred.

No previous work experience required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.