Become a Caterpillar Technician at Michigan CAT
Michigan CAT has partnered with Owens Community College to develop an educational training program for aspiring technicians. Sponsored students pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree (2 years) from Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio.
Learn more about our ThinkBIG Program (pdf)
What is the ThinkBIG Program?
The two-year program combines hands-on training with classroom education and begins the summer following high school graduation. Students are assigned to one of our stores and participate in a paid work experience for the summer. In the fall, the student begins his/her college education and for the next two years will continue to split his/her time between school and work.
Michigan CAT provides tuition reimbursement for sponsorship students dependent upon academic performance each semester. In addition, students are paid for their work experiences at their assigned stores and have an opportunity for a full-time job at a Michigan CAT location upon graduation!
What does Michigan CAT look for?
Michigan CAT looks for people who want to join our organization at an entry level and work their way up within our ranks. We do everything possible to help employees along the way with continuing education programs, challenging work experiences and even financial support in purchasing computers and tools.
What Is It Like To Be A Service Technician At Michigan CAT?
Service Technicians (Mechanics) are vital to Michigan CAT’s continuing success. Job assignments range from a part replacement to a complete rebuild of an off-road piece of construction equipment. Technicians earn a very competitive salary along with overtime opportunities and are members of the Operating Engineers Local 324 Union.
How To Get Started
To apply for the College Sponsorship Program, all students must submit a portfolio that includes the following:
- Current Resume
- Transcript + Attendance Record
- High School and Vocational Center (If Applicable)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal
- Work Related
- Academic
- Career Goals Essay
- 300 Words
- Compass Test Scores
- Additional Information
- Academic Awards
- Athletic Awards
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Photos of Machines you have Restored
*Portfolios become the property of Michigan CAT so please do not include valuable originals.
How To Apply
In Person: Michigan CAT has 8 store locations across the state. If you are interested in applying for the ThinkBIG program in person, get in contact with your closest store for more information.
Online: If you are interested in applying for Michigan CAT’s ThinkBIG program online, fill out our Student Interest Form. Select the “ThinkBIG” option when filling out the form and we will reach out to you with the next steps!
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
To encourage your development, the Company offers tuition reimbursement for the Owens Community College Caterpillar ThinkBIG Program (“program”) as outlined here. To qualify for reimbursement, at the conclusion of each semester, you must submit a written request to your direct supervisor and the HR Department along with (i) your official transcript from Owens Community College and (ii) proof of your payment. The Company will then reimburse you the documented eligible tuition fees based on your attained GPA per the table below.
| Attained GPA | Reimbursement Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.5 or above | 100% |
| 3.0 to 3.49 | 75% |
| 2.5 to 2.99 | 50% |
| Below 2.5 | 0% - Termination from program |
YOUR OBLIGATION TO REPAY TUITION REIMBURSEMENTS
If at any time prior to completing the program you leave the program (voluntarily or involuntarily), lose sponsorship, or are not able to timely graduate for any reason, you agree to re-pay the Company the full amount of any tuition reimbursement.
In addition, if your employment with the Company ends at any time during the program or within two (2) years after completing the program, you agree to re-pay the Company the full amount of any tuition reimbursement.
No re-payment of reimbursed tuition is expected if the Company is unable to offer continued employment due to exceptional circumstances as determined in the Company’s sole discretion, such as involuntary layoffs due to work slowdown.