Technician Apprentice Jobs

THINKBIG ABOUT YOUR FUTURE

Empire is proud to partner 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.

While our program is competitive and rigorous, it offers immense rewards. Upon program completion, you will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree from Mesa Community College and Cat Dealer Service Technician credentials - recognized by all Cat Dealers worldwide.

Applications are now being accepted through March 31, 2026, for the school year starting August 2026. Apply today!

APPLY NOW

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS

BECOME A TECHNICIAN

Becoming a technician is a great opportunity to get where you want to be. The heavy equipment industry pays great, and Cat dealerships lead the way in offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement.

We're looking for these ideal candidates:

Love working with your hands

Enjoy complex problem solving

Aligned with Empire’s corporate values

High school and/or technical school graduate

Currently enrolled in a related college program

Experience in repair or other mechanical trade background

PROGRAM DETAILS

Kick off your career with an apprentice tech job through Empire’s ThinkBIG program and you’ll come out with BIG skills, BIG potential, and one of the best career opportunities in the heavy equipment industry. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM GUIDE

HOW TO APPLY

1. Apply
Application are now being accepted through March 31, 2026, for the school year starting August 2026. Click HERE to submit an application.
2. Pre-requisites
After your initial online submission, we will select qualified applicants and invite you to submit a more complete application, including:
- Letter of Recommendation (from vocational instructor, mentor, professor or professional contact). The letter should outline why you would be a good fit for the ThinkBIG program, and/or provide examples of your work ethic, character, work experience or leadership.
- Copy of high school transcripts or G.E.D certificate
- Community college assessment test results
- Essay that explains why you want to be in the program and become a diesel mechanic, and can include examples of your work experience/ethic.
Letter of Recommendation, transcripts and essay should be emailed to eti@empire-cat.com before the application deadline.
3. Testing
If you meet all the preliminary requirements, you then go into testing. Tests will cover mechanical aptitude, basic mechanical knowledge and areas related to spatial relations, mechanical reasoning, verbal reasoning, numerical ability, perceptual speed and accuracy, manual speed, language and dexterity. In addition, you must pass a drug screen, background check and social security number verification.

4. Interviews
All completed application packets and test results will be reviewed. We will invite the top candidates to interview during March, April and May. If you are not selected for an interview, you will receive a notification by the end of June.

5. Selection
Final selection of apprentices will be based on a combination of test results and interview scores. If you make the cut, you will receive confirmation in early June and take your place in the class beginning in August.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

To remain enrolled you must maintain the required GPA for retention in the program. Other factors are attendance, attitude, conduct, and demonstrating applied learning competence throughout the internship.

Attendance

Working and going to school is an option, however it is not advised that you carry on a full-time job while in classes. During your 8 weeks of internship, it is not guaranteed that you will be working 1st shift.

You are allowed to miss up to three days per semester. If you miss more than three days, you will be required to go before the curriculum board, where they will determine if you will be allowed to stay in the program based on different factors.

Dress Code

You will be required to purchase steel-toed boots and wear long pants. Jeans are best due to durability. Pants must be in good repair, no tears, acid wash, etc. T-shirts are okay, as long as they are in good condition with no logos, offensive pictures or language. Uniforms will be ordered for you at the start of the program. They generally take about four weeks to arrive and are paid for by Empire. Empire will also provide your first pair of safety glasses.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

Location
- All classes are held at the Empire Training Institute at 1855 S. Macdonald Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210.
- Visit caterpillar.com/careers to view the complete list of participating dealer locations outside of Arizona.
Schedule

The program consists of 16-week semesters, which run continuously throughout the two years.
- Session 1: 8 weeks of classroom instruction (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm).
- Session 2: 8 weeks of PAID INTERNSHIP where you will be working in one of the shops at Empire. You will be paid (40 hours per week at $18.00 per hour) every week that you spend in the Internship.

COST AND FINANCIAL AID

Your status is a full-time Mesa Community College student. Student medical insurance is available for purchase through Mesa Community College.
The following are estimated costs and are subject to change at any time
- Approximately $1,425* tuition per semester (every 16 weeks) (MCC)
- Approximately $160 lab fees per semester (every 16 weeks) (MCC)
- Required books for the semester (available at Mesa Community College bookstore)
- Required steel-toe boots
Your tuition must be paid through MCC.
If you qualify, Mesa Community College offers student financial aid, loans and grants. After your acceptance into the program you may contact MCC for further details.
*Based on Maricopa county resident tuition rate.

POST-GRADUATION EMPLOYMENT

Each graduate will be evaluated for a full-time position with Empire. While there are no guarantees, graduates with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and the right attitude have a high probability of receiving an offer for full-time employment.