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 ↔ 8-week 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

Meet a Few of Our Current Students!

Rylan Bell — EPG

As a Think Big Student, Rylan attends South Georgia Technical College, participating in a two‑year program that alternates between eight weeks of career and technical coursework and eight weeks of hands‑on, on‑the‑job training.


During his work rotations at Thompson, Rylan will complete a structured Binder curriculum, gaining experience with oil changes, engine builds, and electrical diagnostics. Outside of work, Rylan enjoys fishing and spending time with friends and family. One of the things he values most about Thompson is the strong support among teammates, and he is especially thankful for his mentor, Clay Stewart, a 2020 Think Big program graduate. Rylan is excited to continue building new skills, growing professionally, and making a positive impact in our communities.
Brody McKleroy — Heavy Equipment

As a ThinkBIG Student, Brody attends South Georgia Technical College, participating in a two‑year program that alternates between eight weeks of career and technical coursework and eight weeks of hands‑on, on‑the‑job training. Born and raised in Lincoln, Alabama, Brody has a strong passion for hands-on work and machinery. Outside of class, Brody enjoys golfing and working on trucks and equipment—skills he’s put to good use by rebuilding a Ford F‑350, including the engine and transmission.

During the college portion of the program, Brody values the time spent learning alongside other students and building connections with peers who share his interests. In his internship portion, he especially enjoys working on rebuilds and seeing the entire process come together, gaining real-world experience that’s helping shape his future in the heavy equipment industry.

Work That Keeps Industries Moving

Behind every essential operation is hard work—and the people who show up to do it. Thompson Tractor stands alongside them with dependable Cat® equipment, responsive service, and solutions designed to perform when it matters most. Together, we keep progress moving forward. We’re proud to support the following industries–and more.

  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Earthmoving
  • Forestry
  • Governmental
  • Mining
  • Power Generation
  • Waste

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.

What locations are available this year?

This year, we are proud to offer a variety of different locations. Please view the map below to see where our opportunities are located.

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!

MORE ABOUT SOUTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

To apply reach out to [email protected].