Intern Technician - Kansas City ThinkBIG 2027

Internship will begin June 2027.

About the role

The Caterpillar ThinkBIG program offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring diesel technicians. Through this program, you'll receive comprehensive training, earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, and gain over 2,000 hours of valuable work experience. The program blends practical experience with academic learning at partner institutions:

• Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) in Okmulgee, Oklahoma
• State Tech in Linn, Missouri
• WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas

As a ThinkBIG Intern Technician, you'll experience:

• Hands-on Environment: Work directly on state-of-the-art Caterpillar® equipment both at school and during your paid internship at your nearest Foley location.
• Paid Internship: Earn compensation for all intern hours worked at a Foley location.
• Rotational Structure: Alternate between your ThinkBIG School and your local Foley location in 7- to 8-week rotations for comprehensive industry exposure.
• Year-Round Commitment: The two-year program allows consistent skill and knowledge development.
• Housing Requirement: Students must arrange housing during both school and internship rotations (on or near campus and close to their local Foley location).

Responsibilities

• Adhere to Foley's culture, prioritizing safety above all else.
• Work closely with experienced mentors to develop a solid understanding of system workings, procedures, processes, and safety requirements.
• Attend, participate, and learn in school while maintaining minimum program grade requirements and good standing with the school and ThinkBIG program.
• Complete and submit all required assignments, including those involving the internship.
• Occasionally travel for training or to assist at other Foley locations.

Requirements

• Dependability: Excellent attendance and punctuality at school and during the internship.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Curiosity and Learning Attitude: Willingness to engage with and absorb the technical curriculum for Caterpillar equipment.
• Long-term Vision: Interest in a stable, promising career path.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Meet initial mechanical and aptitude testing requirements, supported by previous automotive classes, military training, or natural mechanical inclination.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Previous mechanical experience and a drive to excel in troubleshooting and continuous learning.
• Proven work ethic and collaborative mindset.
• Genuine desire to learn from others and maintain a safe working environment.
• Ability to confidently apply newly acquired procedures, translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

Physical & Working Requirements

This role involves hands-on mechanical work in a shop environment. Essential job functions include:

• Safely and repeatedly lifting components weighing up to 115 pounds without assistance.
• Safely lifting, carrying, and lowering components weighing up to 65 pounds without assistance.
• Climbing on and off equipment and working at varying heights.
• Standing, bending, and working in physically demanding positions for extended periods.
• Safely operating tools and equipment.

Benefits

• Upon successful completion, consideration for full-time Technician opportunities.
• Tools and toolbox worth approximately $10,000.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Scholarship opportunities.
• Stipend each semester to help offset school and living expenses.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Work boot reimbursement.
• Prescription Safety Glasses reimbursement.

About the company

Foley Equipment, part of Foley Industries, has served customers in Kansas and Western Missouri for over nine decades. With a team of over 1,000 employees, Foley delivers exceptional service, top-quality parts and rentals, and sales support for Caterpillar and allied construction equipment, power generation solutions, and SITECH construction technology.