What is ThinkBIG?

A two-year program that combines college learning with paid technician training—so you graduate with an associate degree and real dealership experience.

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Quick Facts

  • Two-year college program
  • 8 week school ↔ internship rotations
  • Cat-specific training and tools
  • Associate degree outcome

Program At A Glance

ThinkBIG is Caterpillar’s two-year technician education program that combines classroom learning with paid, hands-on dealer training. Thompson Tractor participates through a partnership with South Georgia Technical College (SGTC).

  • Rotate in eight-week blocks between school (class/lab) and a Thompson Tractor paid internship
  • Train with Cat-specific systems, diagnostics, and tools built for modern equipment service
  • Earn the Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technician Associates Degree through SGTC
  • Build a career path with opportunities across Thompson locations in Alabama and Northwest Florida

Industries

Work that keeps industries moving.

• Agriculture • Logging & Forestry • Power Generation • Construction • Marine • Road Building • Earthmoving • Material Handling • Trucking & Transport • Locomotive • Mining

Who This Program Is Built For

If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and want a career that keeps industries moving, ThinkBIG is a strong place to start.
  • You enjoy mechanical and technical problem-solving
  • You’re ready to commit to a two-year program with high expectations
  • You want training that connects classroom learning to real work

How It Works

ThinkBIG is designed to keep learning practical. You rotate between eight-week blocks of SGTC class/lab instruction and eight-week blocks of paid internship learning at Thompson Tractor — so you’re applying what you learn as you go.

Less Guessing. More Doing. Choose Your Route.

You’ll build a shared foundation in modern technician skills, then follow a route that matches the work you want to do. Both routes follow the same two-year ThinkBIG structure, alternating classroom learning with paid internship rotations. Your route determines where you gain deeper, specialized experience.

Electric Power Generation (EPG)

Focus on diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing power systems where uptime matters. Best for detail-driven troubleshooters who like electrical systems and structured diagnostics.

See EPG Curriculum Highlights

Heavy Equipment

Build hands-on skills servicing the machines that move dirt, build infrastructure, and keep job sites running—powered by strong diesel, hydraulic, and diagnostic fundamentals. Best for candidates who want to work on large, complex machines in shop or field environments and enjoy mechanical problem-solving on real job site equipment.

See Heavy Equipment Curriculum Highlights

What You Need to Qualify: Requirements & Minimum Scores

Requirements to Apply

To support your success in this two‑year program, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent)
  • 18 years old or older
  • Meet SGTC and Thompson Tractor admission/academic requirements
  • Pass required screening steps (drug test/physical/background check) as part of entry requirements
  • Valid driver’s license and a good driving record
  • Able to commit to two consecutive years to complete the program
Pre Admission Testing Score Minimums

Because ThinkBIG is a college degree program, admission requires meeting minimum score requirements on one of these exams:

  • ACT — Reading 17; English 16; Math 19
  • SAT — Reading 450; Math 440
  • COMPASS — Reading 79; Writing 62; Algebra 37
  • ACCUPLACER — Reading 64; Sentence Skills 70; Algebra 57

FAQs

How long is the ThinkBIG program?

ThinkBIG is a two-year program that combines college learning with paid technician training.

Where do I attend school?

Thompson Tractor partners with South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) for the college portion of the program.

How does the schedule work?

Students rotate between eight-week blocks of class/lab instruction and eight-week blocks of paid internship training at Thompson Tractor.

Do I get paid while I’m in the program?

Yes. Internship rotations are paid and give you real dealership experience while you train.

What does Thompson Tractor cover financially?

Thompson covers tuition, books, lab fees, and graduation fees for the two-year course of study (per current program details).

What costs am I responsible for?

Students are responsible for room/board, deposits, and personal transportation costs.

What will I learn in ThinkBIG?

You’ll train across core systems like engines, hydraulics, powertrain/transmissions, and electronics/diagnostics — reinforced through hands-on internships.

What’s the difference between Electric Power Generation (EPG) and Heavy Equipment?

Both routes share the same program structure, and each route adds deeper focus — EPG aligns to power systems work, while Heavy Equipment includes heavy equipment service work.

What are the basic requirements to apply?

You must meet age/education requirements, college and employer admission requirements, and complete screening steps (such as background/drug/physical) as described in program entry requirements.

How do I get started?

Start by viewing ThinkBIG opportunities, then request information if you have questions. You can also email [email protected].

With locations across Alabama and Northwest Florida, there are opportunities where you want to work.

Click on the map to find a location near you!

TYPICAL SCHEDULE

MORE ABOUT SOUTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

To apply reach out to [email protected].