Cat® Global Dealer Learning

There is a global need to grow the number of skilled technicians to support machines in multiple industries. The Cat® Global Dealer Learning organization had a presence at MINExpo 2024 to share the training programs it provides for dealer technicians and to support Caterpillar customers in their efforts to grow their own skilled technician teams. 

Programs for Cat Dealers 

Caterpillar has several global programs in support of Cat dealers. These programs are designed to attract, train and retain technicians for current job openings and continuous development of qualified technicians. 

• ThinkBIG Apprentice Program, a 2-year associate’s degree in applied science that supports approximately 700 technician graduates per year. This program offers two pathways: Heavy Equipment Diesel and EPG. 
• The Caterpillar Technician Academy, a comprehensive and customizable solution that can be adapted based on dealers’ current and future needs. It is targeted toward new or aspiring technicians with minimal to no industry experience. 
• Global Dealer Technician Challenge, a hands-on, skills-based competition that tests dealer technicians’ agility, resilience and versatility. 

To support the broader industry effort to bridge the skilled trades gap, Caterpillar recently made a $500,000 donation to the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation to support their Vision 2025 campaign. This campaign is focused on improving skills-based programs offered to students across U.S. high schools and technical schools considered underserved in the technical skills space.