Contact the Program Director
This program is part of the Applied Sciences and Technology Department.
Field of Interest
Interested in a great career working on diesel-powered vehicles and engines? Begin earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Caterpillar Technician Training at Mesa Community College and, in less than two years, you could be working an in-demand job for the legendary big equipment company as a fully credentialed Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician.
MCC is the only Arizona college partnering in the ThinkBIG training program with Caterpillar and local CAT dealer Empire Southwest. Through hands-on training and internships, you’ll study how to use advanced technology to service and repair Caterpillar machines and equipment. Gain knowledge in electronically-controlled engines, sophisticated computer-based diagnosis and state-of-the-art hydraulics and transmissions, as well as other high-demand skills. The program combines general education curriculum, specialized technological coursework and practical experience.
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
| Name | Type | Title | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science | AAS | Caterpillar Technician Training | Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree within the Caterpillar Technician program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
$52,798 Show expanded career information for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Engine and Machine Assemblers
$38,744 Show expanded career information for Engine and Machine Assemblers
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
$47,951 Show expanded career information for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
$58,848 Show expanded career information for Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
How to Get Started
This is a partnership program. You will be an MCC student AND a Student Caterpillar Technician in the ThinkBIG program at Empire Southwest.
STEP ONE
First, enroll in MCC and take placement tests to discover the classes in which you are best able to succeed. There is no cost for enrolling in the college or taking the tests. You pay only when you register for classes.
- Enroll at mesacc.edu/enroll/welcome
- Your degree is AA Caterpillar Technician Training/Academic Plan Code 3005
- Apply for admission to the college
- Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA – mesacc.edu/financial-aid/apply
- Set up your student email
- Take placement tests in math, reading and writing - required to interview at Empire Southwest
STEP TWO
Apply for the ThinkBIG program, admission is competitive. Applications are taken between January and March, interviews are held in April and May with classes starting in the fall semester (August). MCC can help prepare you to qualify for the ThinkBIG program with general education courses as well as automotive and welding classes. For more information, contact the MCC program director at steve.skroch@mesacc.edu.
- Go to the Empire Southwest ThinkBIG job page January through March
- Follow the application steps
- Attend informational meetings
- If you are not accepted immediately, pursue related industry employment and additional education at MCC and reapply