2026 ThinkBIG - SD College Diesel Technology Program- Rapid City

Overview 

Butler Machinery Co is looking for future Caterpillar Diesel Technicians. Do you have a passion for construction and mining equipment? Are you a high school student deciding on a college program or are you simply looking for a career change? Do you love working with your hands, have a great attitude, strong work ethic and possess basic mechanical skills? If you answered YES to these questions, please consider applying to the ThinkBIG program. 

Our Diesel Technology Program provides a scholarship opportunity and paid internships with a compensation package over $36,000! 

The ThinkBIG program combines classroom and lab education at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, SD and paid internships at one of our 15 CAT dealerships.   ThinkBIG students receive up-to-date technical training on Caterpillar systems and equipment.  This 2-year program is divided into 9, 8-week terms, rotating from LATC to their internships at their designated store.  The internships are scheduled for the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rotations.  This education and training will provide the foundation of skills needed to begin a lucrative, life-long career in diesel technology.

Upon completion of the ThinkBIG program, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diesel Technology. Graduates will then transition to full-time employment at a Butler Machinery dealership location with technician positions starting at $32.73/hour. Complementing the salary, benefits, and continued education as a full-time position, Butler provides the potential for career advancement within the company at locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana. 

Learn more about Butler’s ThinkBIG Program by visiting https://www.butlermachinery.com/careers/ThinkBIG 

Responsibilities for a ThinkBIG Student: 

• Maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.0 while in the program
• Work the minimum number of internship hours required by the program. (1,280)
• Prepared and on time and for work and school
• Proactively maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• Tuition, books, housing, tools and fees not covered by scholarship 
• Secure housing arrangements at the school as well as the internship location.
• Committed to lifelong learning and training to stay ahead of industry standards
• Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs 
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications for a ThinkBIG Student:

 Required

• High school applicants must be a junior or senior to apply
• A High School diploma or GED required at the program start 
• Must be age 18 by the first internship
• Application must be submitted electronically through our website
• Accepted by Lake Area Technical College by its deadline
• Applied knowledge of basic mechanical theory
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Proficient computer technology skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to meet and maintain insurability standards to drive a company vehicle
• Must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new skills quickly

 We are looking for ideal candidates who embrace the following values 

• Our Team – At Butler, we believe our team is our greatest asset.  We believe in working together and treating each other with dignity and respect. 
• Customer-Driven – We are customer driven.  We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations, but never at the cost of our values. 
• Integrity – We believe that integrity is paramount.  Our word is the cornerstone of our business, and we will earn the trust of those we serve. 
• Accountability – We believe in accountability.  We understand the impact of our decisions and accept responsibility for our words and our actions.  
• Excellence – We believe in excellence through innovation, life-long learning and professional development.  
• Safety – We believe in uncompromised safety.  We are collectively responsible for the safety of one another in all workplace situations.  

EOE/Vet/Disability