Think Big Program

Holt of California is proud to partner with San Joaquin Delta College for the ThinkBIG program. Holt of California is one of four Caterpillar dealers in California to be involved with the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program (ThinkBIG)      

SUMMARY

Holt of California is now accepting application for the Fall 2026 Class of ThinkBIG. Applications must be completed and entered by May 31, 2026. The ThinkBIG program is a 4-year Apprenticeship program; 2 years of an educational program combined with 2 years of paid on-the-job training (OJT). This program is a partnership with San Joaquin Delta College. Holt of California is one of four Caterpillar dealers in California to be involved with the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program . Holt of California’s ThinkBIG technical training sponsorship is an on-the-job training program that gives you an opportunity to work directly on Caterpillar machines and engines.    (ThinkBIG)

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROGRAM

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age by the first internship period, graduated high school and meet San Joaquin Delta College and dealer admission/academic requirements.

PROGRAM

• A candidate needs to be able to go to school full-time for (five) 8-week sessions during the first 2-years of the program.
• During the first 2-years, students will rotate every 8-weeks between taking classes at San Joaquin Delta College and working at a Holt of California facility. 
• Students will be provided a Toolbox with tools needed to support their on-the-job training over the 2 years.
• While at school, the student will be completing technical and academic course work towards completing their A.S. degree requirement. 
• While at a Holt of California facility, the student will be working as a paid mechanic trainee applying their skills learned at school to on-the-job situations.
• Specific objectives have been developed so each internship period is closely aligned with educational courses to reinforce learning in real-world situations.
• Students will earn an A.S. degree when they complete the 2 years of required classes and will be offered a full-time position as a dealer mechanic trainee.
• Once they complete the OTJ requirements for the state apprenticeship program they will receive a journey-level certificate from the State of California and from the Federal Department of Labor.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Complete the employment application and include the following:

• 3 Letters of Recommendation - one from a teacher, one from a previous or current employer, school counselor or administrator, and one from a person of your choice
• A 250-word essay on "Why you want a career in the Diesel/Heavy Equipment Industry".
• Submit a Transcript from your high school or GED certificate.
• If applicable, transcripts from any related college/university and/or military training should also be included with your application. Official documents are not required for these types of transcripts.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views, gives and welcomes feedback and contributes to building a positive team environment.
• Communication – Understands when to use written and/or verbal communication to be most effective. Utilizes active listening skills.  
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, looks for ways to improve and promote quality, monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Accountability - Accepts responsibility for mistakes or problems; maintains ownership of assigned tasks.
• Attitude - Demonstrates a positive attitude and supports the organization’s mission, vision and core values.
• Safety and Security – Observes and looks for ways to enhance safety and security procedures.
• Organized - Ability to maintain a system that allows for ease of tracking tasks on a regular basis.
• Technical computer skills – Email, Microsoft office products 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Must have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) certificate, or a California High School Proficiency (CHSP) Certificate

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid California driver’s license and a clean DMV driving report.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools, and controls and to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.  The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

COMPENSATION

This is an entry level position. The rate of pay applies when the student is working at Holt during the on- the-job rotation as part of the 2year program. While student is in school, they are eligible for unemployment benefits. 

Wage $21.98 $23.80 per hour   

Wage depends on knowledge, skills and ability to perform the responsibilities of the job.

For more information about the ThinkBIG Program, complete this application and the Program Coordinator will be in contact with you, or go to https://www.holtca.com/company/thinkbig.

Holt is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/DV. Holt provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, all applicable veteran status or disabled veteran status.

For more information about our California Employee Privacy Policy, please click on link below.

https://careers.holtca.com/privacy-policy/

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