Empire Southwest partners with Mesa Community College to administer the ThinkBIG Apprentice Program, a two-year college-level curriculum which provides students with the education and skills necessary to become heavy-equipment diesel technicians. Program graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree from Mesa Community College and Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician credentials, which are recognized by all Caterpillar dealers worldwide.

ThinkBIG is a unique opportunity to use cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies and high-tech tools in a dealership setting. It is enhanced by a combination of classroom work with Caterpillar certified instructors and in-the-shop experiential learning, guided by mentors who are experienced technicians. Successful graduates receive career placement assistance from Empire, their Dealer/Sponsor. Once employed, they look forward to ongoing training to advance their professional/technical skills, knowledge and growth in a positive, exciting setting.

The program consists of 16-week semesters which run continuously for two years. Each semester is broken into two sessions. The first consists of eight weeks of classroom instruction (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm). The second session is an eight-week PAID internship.

• MCC tuition per semester (every 16 weeks). College student aid plans available
• MCC lab fees per semester (every 16 weeks)
• Required books or written text for the semester
• The cost to acquire steel-toed boots
• Student tooling. Optional discounted tooling assistance program available

Applications are accepted all year. Interviews and processing for each year’s freshman class are conducted between March–June, and classes start in August.

For more information about the program, call (602) 622-5323 (Job Line) or click here to contact us via e-mail.