Skip to content
Logo
ThinkBIG Program

Earn While You Learn

Accelerate Your Future With Boyd CAT

Become a Caterpillar Dealership Service Technician

Boyd CAT’s ThinkBIG Technician Training Program combines college-level work at Illinois Central College with paid, hands-on internship rotations.

It was designed for individuals who have some prior education or knowledge in the field and see a future as a Caterpillar Dealership Service Technician.

Upon completion of the two-year course of study, students earn an associate degree in applied science. With continued commitment and in-house training, they can advance to the coveted position of Field Technician.

Through focused learning and ongoing mentorship, ThinkBIG was designed to give participants everything they need to succeed as full-time employees in the field of heavy equipment.

How You'll Learn

ThinkBIG combines classroom lectures with state-of-the-art labs and real-world experience gained through paid internships at Boyd CAT locations.

During the course of study, sponsored students delve into engine fundamentals, machine hydraulics, Caterpillar fuel systems, machine electrical systems, transmissions, torque converters and undercarriage/final drives, among other topics.

Alternating between attending classes at ICC and working alongside expert Boyd CAT technicians, students gain hands-on experience and valuable insights into their future careers.

To graduate, students must:

  • Meet with an assigned academic advisor and plan a course schedule that fulfills all requirements
  • Maintain enrollment for the full course of the program
  • Sustain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average

A break in enrollment or unsatisfactory progress (barring extenuating circumstances, such as illness) will terminate the sponsorship.

Admission Requirements

Students are selected for ThinkBIG sponsorship based on previous academic achievement and testing for mechanical aptitude.

Applicants must:

  • Be a high school graduate (2.7 or higher GPA) or pending graduate
  • Be available for standardized pre-enrollment testing at Illinois Central College and at Boyd Company
  • Pass company physical, drug screen, and background check
  • Be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English
  • Know how to operate a P.C. (Windows, Excel, Word)
  • Maintain high integrity and accountability standards

How to Apply

Complete the 3-step ThinkBIG Technician Training Program application process. For the upcoming recruitment window, applications must be submitted by February 1, 2025, and selected candidates will be announced by the end of February 2025.

1. Find Your Location

Search for “ThinkBIG Co-op” on the Boyd CAT careers page. Identify a location that has posted a ThinkBIG opening, read the description and fill out the online application.

2. Compile Important Documents

Your ThinkBIG application requires the following additional documents:

High School Transcript

High school students:
Submit transcripts to Dawn Witt, ThinkBIG Admin Assistant, at Dawn.Witt@icc.edu or by fax at 309-694-8525.

Graduates:
Official transcripts must be sent electronically or by mail via your learning institution.

Reference Letters

Include 2 reference letters total. One reference letter should be from a teacher; the other must be from a non-school, non-family source.

Career Potential Essay

Application essays should be one page minimum, typed and double-spaced, including your career goals and interests in the diesel/heavy equipment field, along with relevant community, high school and work activities.

3. Submit Completed Application

Send your ThinkBIG application documents to Boyd CAT.

Electronically:
Email Kelsie Conner
kelsieconner@boydcat.com
Recruiting and Employee Experience Manager

Tuition and Tool Assistance

Selected students have the opportunity for tuition assistance and could earn up to full tuition reimbursement, in addition to having the opportunity to earn over $20,000 through internship wages with on-the-job training.

The course of study requires students to provide their own tool set. Boyd CAT offers an affordable tool program to help ThinkBIG students start their careers. These tools are designed for work in the classroom and on the job.

Start Your Career Here

Be Part of ThinkBIG

Apply Now

Our Locations