Is ThinkBIG! a smart move? You bet it is.
Just 2 years
is all it takes to...
Earn a college degree
That's right. 2 years! Plus, you'll...
Make good money
doing something you enjoy! And guess what else? You'll...
Have a great job
waiting for you upon your graduation. While everyone else you know is interviewing for a job, you'll have all that knocked out already!
About the program
Our ThinkBIG! intern program enables aspiring diesel service technicians to receive Caterpillar® specific technical training combined with hands-on work experience at a Puckett Machinery heavy equipment facility. Interns learn how to service Cat® equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools.
Each spring, we award ThinkBIG! internships to top candidates (high school graduates or higher) to attend South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) in Americus, GA to pursue their associate degree in applied technology. This is a 5 semester program where students spend 8 weeks at SGTC followed by 8 weeks working at Puckett as a paid intern in one of our service shops with an assigned mentor. Interns receive a pay increase following each successful school semester completed.
Who are we looking for?
High School Students
interested in a vocational program and a great career
Military Personnel
transitioning to civilian life
Great people looking for a career change
If you want to solve problems and work with your hands in a great environment, we're looking for you!
Some reasons to consider ThinkBIG!
Tuition reimbursement
for tuition and books at South Georgia Technical College
Pay rate increase
with each successful semester
In-State tuition rate
for all ThinkBIG! students. No out-of-state fees
Full-time job
upon successful completion of the program
How long is the program?
The ThinkBIG! program is designed to be completed in approximately two years over a series of 16-week semesters. We use an 8+8 schedule, meaning you will spend 8 weeks on campus learning new skills, followed by 8 weeks at Puckett Machinery on paid internships. During those 8 weeks at Puckett Machinery, you'll practice skills learned in the previous 8 weeks of classroom instruction. Each semester, as your knowledge level increases, the skills you'll be able to perform will become more complex as well -- but you'll be ready for it because of your training!
Application requirements
Applications for our ThinkBIG! program are accepted during the months of December through March. Finalists are selected in April/May and the program begins in August in conjunction with the start of the fall semester. The following items are required for the application process:
- Proof of ACT or comparable standardized test scores (minimum overall score of 18 required)
- An official copy of high school transcript (minimum GPA of 2.5 and 95% attendance record)
- A copy of applicant’s resume describing education and work experience, career-related activities and leadership roles held at work, church, school
- A personal essay describing applicant’s character and work ethic and motivation for pursuing a career in diesel technology and the ThinkBIG! program
- A written letter of recommendation from a non-family member, preferably a school administrator or an employer
For more information or questions about Puckett’s ThinkBig program, please email us at careers@puckettmachinery.com.
South Georgia Technical College
Puckett Machinery and five other Cat dealers in the southeastern U.S. co-sponsor this outstanding program at South Georgia Technical College in Americus, GA. Students from Puckett work alongside students from the other sponsoring Cat dealers. In many cases, our students become lifelong friends in the process.
To learn more about SGTC and our program, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
A note to parents
While not just limited to those in high school, this program is excellent for high school students interested in a great career working with their hands. Ideal program candidates are sharp, have a good work ethic, and can communicate and present themselves professionally. It is our hope that many of our future leaders will come through this program.
HANDLING SCHOOL EXPENSE
Typical costs at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) include tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, meals, hand tools, and transportation to and from the school. SGTC fees are quite reasonable when compared with other colleges and universities, and the school waives their out-of-state fees for our students, making a college degree (associate degree in applied technology) affordable and very much within reach for your student. Additionally, money earned during alternating 8-week periods at Puckett Machinery can be helpful with school expense. SGTC wants your child on their campus and works with our students and their parents in assessing their financial aid options. To learn more about financial aid at SGTC please CLICK HERE.
REIMBURSEMENT
Following a student’s successful graduation from the program and employment with Puckett Machinery, we begin a monthly schedule of reimbursement to the student for incurred tuition and book expenses.
Our ThinkBIG! participants are representatives of Puckett Machinery and it’s our expectation that they conduct themselves maturely and responsibly while at SGTC. Students receive top-notch training, and we want them to learn everything they can. The classroom atmosphere is one of professionalism, safety, and learning. Student groups work closely together and oftentimes, enjoy recreational activities together when not in class. Interestingly, we find that our students tend to develop lifelong friendships with other students there from Cat dealers across the southeastern U.S. in the process.
Prospective candidates often ask about tools. We have recommended tooling information we can share with you when we get to that point in the process.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you’re interested in ThinkBIG!, we encourage you to reach out to us now so your student will have time to obtain the necessary ACT score, etc. in order to be considered for the program. Our typical process includes an application, interviews, testing, and a meeting with parents. While we regularly talk with parents of 12th graders, if your student is in the 10th or 11th grade, it’s not too early to get the conversation with us started. We’ve helped a great many students earn their diplomas and begin high-paying careers with Puckett Machinery Company over the years and we’re looking forward to talking with you about your student too!