Career opportunities in construction equipment, truck engine,
marine and commercial engine fields are rewarding, challenging, and
the people that can do the work are in demand. Blanchard Machinery Company, in conjunction with the Caterpillar dealers of North Carolina and Florence-Darlington Technical College, has developed the Caterpillar Dealer Academy to train individuals in the specific needs of Blanchard and Caterpillar.
As a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician, you'll work on some of the biggest, hardest-working machines in the world. As a graduate of the Caterpillar Dealer Academy (CDA), you'll be a highly skilled, technically trained, in-demand member of the worldwide Cat dealer family. Our two-year, college-level program teaches you how to service Caterpillar equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools. The program combines classroom
and hands-on learning. No more sitting in class wondering if you're going to use what's being taught,
you'll get to use what you've learned and you'll know why it's important.
Blanchard takes the hiring process seriously. Not only do we make sure you are right for this program, you need to make sure this program is right for you. So, ask as many questions as you like and we'll get the answers for you. If you have the right attitude, work ethic, and skills,
it's time you think big about your future.
Here is basic information about the program. For complete details
please follow the contact instructions below:
Where will the
training be held?
Your training consists of two parts:
- Classroom training at Florence-Darlington Technical College
(FDTC). FDTC is located in Florence, SC with an annual
enrollment of several thousand students. Approximately 40 weeks out of
the two years will be spent in Florence, split between five
eight-week semesters.
- Paid internships at your local sponsoring dealership help you
put your education to work. This is one of the most important
elements of the program.
Where will I live while I
complete the program?
While attending FDTC, the school has made arrangements with a local apartment complex
to offer low-cost, convenient housing for its students in the CDA.
In this dorm-like atmosphere, four students share a two-bedroom,
one-bath apartment. Rent covers all utilities including local phone, cable, and
electricity. The apartment is completely furnished - you don't have to worry about hauling furniture back and forth
to and from your home town when you go on your internship. In
addition, there are no connection fees to pay, no leases to sign,
and you pay ONLY for the time you live in Florence.
While performing your internship responsibilities, your local
sponsoring dealership will try to get you as close as possible to
your home town. Blanchard has locations throughout South Carolina.
What is included in
the curriculum?
Your core Caterpillar classes include diesel engines, hydraulic
systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, undercarriage/final
drives, diagnostic testing, fundamentals of transmissions and torque
converters, welding, and diesel air conditioning. The CDA has two
dedicated, full-time training instructors that teach most classes in
a "lab" atmosphere.
Classroom and lab training are held in FDTC's state-of-the-art
classrooms and computer labs. New Caterpillar machines are loaned to
the school every semester including wheel loaders, track-type
tractors, backhoes, challenger agricultural tractors, and
excavators. The school has all up-to-date training aids, tools, and
simulators and all the latest Caterpillar diagnostic and operational
computer software.
Our commitment to your development does not stop when you
graduate. We are constantly updating our classes and offering our
experienced technicians new training to make sure they remain some
of the most knowledgeable technicians in the industry.
Because you will be earning an Associates Degree in Industrial
Technology, there are some general education requirements such as
English composition, math, sociology, technical communication,
public speaking, and a fine arts classes. What is great about these
classes is that most are taught as part of an integrated curriculum. This
means classroom instruction is related to real on-the-job topics,
issues, and discussion.
What will I
do during my internship?
During your internship you will work directly with machines and
engines, assist trained technicians, and learn how it feels to be a
valuable member of the Cat dealer family. You will work with mentors
in all areas of the dealer service department including the main
shop, specialization shop, field service, welding shop, and more. Students work while classes are not in session at FDTC. This
includes opportunities for extra hours and income during semester
and holiday breaks.
What tooling do I need to
acquire?
We want to make sure you have the personal tooling necessary to
start a career as a Dealer Service Technician. A starter set of tooling is provided at the beginning of the
program to each student. The tools are paid back through a
no-interest, payroll deduction program that allows you to gradually
pay for the set. The toolbox is offered to students with a substantial savings of
64% off the Caterpillar list price.
What are the
requirements for admission into the program?
The requirements for admission are as follows:
- Possess a basic mechanical aptitude
- Have earned or will earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be 18 years of age or older by the time of your first
internship
- Be able to meet FDTC admission requirements, which include
placement testing and an application and interview process with
the school and the dealer
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug screening
You must be accepted by both the dealer and the school to be a
member of the Caterpillar Dealer Academy.
What should I know about
Blanchard?
It's important to know about the company you work for and the
industry you work in. As the Caterpillar heavy equipment and engine
dealer for South Carolina, Blanchard has enjoyed a reputation for
quality service and high integrity. We believe in Customer
Satisfaction, doing the right thing, and working as a team. We work
hard, but have fun doing it.
The heavy equipment and engine industry is growing fast, is highly
technical, and offers many different opportunities from sales to
service to support areas. Markets served by the equipment Blanchard
sells and services include construction, earthmoving, forestry,
mining, paving, agricultural and industrial applications, as well as
Caterpillar engines for the truck, power generation and marine power
markets.
Blanchard Machinery Company has three simple "Basic
Values."
- Earn our customer's loyalty by giving them great service and
products
- Treat others as we want to be treated
- Provide training and development opportunities for employees to
grow
What is the cost of the
program?
The Dealership will pay for the following costs associated
with the program:
- Hourly wage for all hours worked in the dealership. There is
ample opportunity to make enough money during internships to pay
all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses in Florence.
- Majority of the cost of the tool box
- Training aids and equipment for classroom and internship
instruction
- Uniforms and safety glasses
- A portion of the cost of safety shoes
- All uniform cleaning in Florence and at the dealership
The student will pay for the following costs associated with
the program:
- Florence-Darlington Technical College tuition. All students
pay the in-county tuition rate (15% off).
- General Education textbooks. All Caterpillar class textbooks
and materials are provided by the school and dealership.
- Housing (if necessary)
-$575 per semester
-Four students per two-bedroom, one-bath apartment
-Includes bedroom and living room furniture, TV, and kitchen
supplies
- You pay only for the time you are in Florence. The $575 per
semester cost includes all utilities such as local telephone,
cable, and electric. You will not pay any
connection fees.
- Portion of toolbox cost
Who do I contact for more
information?
- For more information about the program:
Visit the Florence-Darlington Technical College website at www.flo.tec.sc.us.
- For general questions:
Contact Brock Lynch, Employee Development Manager and
Caterpillar Dealer Academy Coordinator for Blanchard Machinery
Company at 803-791-7100 or HR@blanchardmachinery.com.
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