2024 - Volume #48, Issue #1, Page #06
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On-The-Job Training While Earning Diesel Tech Degree
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ThinkBIG is a Caterpillar-sponsored education program that teams its shops with local colleges to train technicians.
“Caterpillar has 12 ThinkBIG programs in the U.S., and Butler sponsors two of them,” says Mike Sanden, Training and Development Director for Butler Machinery Co., in Fargo, N.D. In addition to working with the North Dakota State College in Wahpeton, N.D., Butler also teamed up with Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D.
In addition to ThinkBIG, which trains workers for Caterpillar equipment, Butler recently added ButlerMAX for training with agricultural equipment such as Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and CLAAS.
“It’s a working educational program so students can work in a Butler shop while going to school. When accepted, they’re considered an employee,” Sanden says.
After being accepted through an interview and application process, students begin a cycle of 8 weeks at college, then 8 weeks at a shop while earning a wage. After nine rotations, the student earns an associate degree in Diesel Technology, and they can immediately begin working as a technician in one of Butler’s 20 locations with pay starting at approximately $29.
In addition to earning a wage while attending school, Butler and the state of North Dakota offer scholarships so that students often finish the program debt-free.
“The thinking behind it is that many people getting into the diesel equipment field are hands-on learners,” Sanden explains. “People learn by doing under the supervision of a mentor. Also, the program is focused on our being part of a team and our culture - Butler is looking to form long-term relationships.”
He suggests that high school students interested in careers in diesel check out the website (www.butlermachinery.com/opportunities-for-students/), which includes Work Study and Co-op opportunities in addition to ThinkBIG and ButlerMAX, which had 40 students last year. Enrollment is open for 2024.
“We’re always looking for more technicians,” Sanden says. “Students have all kinds of different opportunities. We want to find the people who want to focus on diesel technology and opportunity with Butler to move from technician into other careers within Butler.”
Students interested in careers with other agriculture and construction equipment companies such as John Deere and Titan Machinery may find similar programs by checking out their websites.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Butler Machinery, 3401 33rd St. S., Fargo, N.D. 58104 (ph 877-778-2230; mikesanden@butlermachinery.com; www.butlermachinery.com).
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