
The 2026 ThinkBIG program is a two-year training initiative designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors to become Caterpillar Diesel Technicians. Participants split their time between classroom instruction at Lake Area Technical College and paid internships at Butler Machinery dealerships across the Northern Plains. Key responsibilities include maintaining academic standards, completing required internship hours, and adhering to strict safety and operational protocols while learning to service heavy construction and mining equipment. Upon graduation, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and transition into full-time technician roles with opportunities for career advancement. The program is appealing for its combination of hands-on technical training, paid work experience, and a supportive culture that values teamwork, integrity, and lifelong learning.







