How to Become a Caterpillar Equipment Technician

A lot of my subscribers and followers show a lot of interest in becoming a heavy equipment tech so in this video I talk a little bit about my story of how I became a heavy equipment tech and some possible avenues for you guys to explore as well.
This is the link for the FABTECH program offered by Fabick Cat, Wisconsin.
www.fabickcat.com/our-company...
This is the link for the ThinkBig program
www.caterpillar.com/en/career...
Here is a bonus link to ALL Caterpillar Dealer jobs all on one website!
dealertechjobs.caterpillar.com/

[@coopergrimm1134]

When I started my career I watched this and thought equipment was too complicated to work on. After 3 years graduating diesel tech school and completing an apprenticeship at another dealership I start at NC Machinery next week.

[@aidenpetzer7109]

Hi Christian. I also did my apprenticeship through a Caterpillar dealer and continued to work for them for 7 years. I decided to start working abroad and the things I'v done in the past 5 years have just been awesome. I'm currently a ROV technician offshore. Without the excellent training from the Cat dealer and high standard required to be "specialist" heavy duty diesel tech, I would have never made it. I freakin love my job and all the doors it has opened for me. Keep the content coming👨‍🔧

[@thedieselguru6881]

Let give this man the respect and appreciation he deserves. He just released two videos in one day. 🙌

[@benjicc7296]

anybody else notice the civic trying to pull off on its own 😆

[@NathanSmith-do9wr]

I started as a shop rat cleaning floors and parts washing, and then I was a lube tech, then PDI while I went to UTI. Now I’m graduating school this month and starting as a shop service technician for Caterpillar at $30+/hr.

[@jimjohnson2190]

I got a position at a heavy equipment rental house years ago and our boss taught us Cat 😺 diagnostics standards and it's given me alot of great opportunity. Caterpillar is the top standard you can't go wrong learning it. This guy is right on thanks. Yes

[@markg3305]

I'm a heavy equipment operator myself, I make a round 80k a year. I wish like hell I could step into mechanical instead it would be so much more satisfying

[@wesulf7517]

think so I am coming out of the mil and thinking of doing either an apprenticeship at the local iuoe or going to school for a fabtech engine program, you think the mechanic side would be better?

[@davidkamara5732]

To become a technician is the best Carrier I have ever loved to choose in My life. I have passion for this job.

[@ryanrimmel6580]

7:14 bro your car is rolling away 🤣

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Yea. haha Guess I forgot to set the brake like an idiot.

[@bluecollarphil7064]

On the path to becoming a heavy diesel equipment mechanic, hopefully working for Caterpillar one day… this helped a lot. 🤟🏻

[@danieljohnstone3592]

I started out at the hitachi dealership was there for 10 years and now am in the mining industry. Have been a mechanic for 16 years

[@d.howardcolesjr4862]

Your car was rolling. Glad you caught it. I appreciate what you said about people wanting a paycheck before they've proved their worth. That's true in every field. Being willing to put your head down and work your way through the ranks will take you a long way.

[@marcmarc5518]

Was a unlicensed controls electrician and plumber, got tired of traveling and now am a diesel tech at united rentals, only had experience working on cars for myself, friends and family. This video covers everything really. Was going to work my way to diesel tech through washing and loading equipment but i was lucky enough my service manager saw potential in me.

[@masonditmars6479]

I had no idea luke combs was a mechanic

[@helenetheoret9219]

that speech help me alot ..i cant thanks u enough thanks for the video u should talk more about this job

[@ericwakefield4977]

damn straight. You my good sir along with my instructors at my tech school are all telling me the same thing but you specifically hit the nail on the head of what I need to do. Go up to my local dealer (Blanchard CAT) and tell them my situation in a professional and honest manner, and thats what I want to do because I want to be a Cat dealer tech. I’m about to have my 1st year certificate in Diesel Tech and will start 2nd year this fall and I wanna start with Caterpillar because they are the most professional Equipment OEM to go to and I hear nothing but good from the people who work for CAT dealers, and the career opportunities are endless. This is where I want to go. Thankyou so much for your hardcore honest encouragement of how to get in this industry specifically CAT. I want to be make my way up and be the best tech I can be.

[@zacharytyge4327]

Lol let’s talk diesel while doing an oil change on a civic lol great info though bro

[@LilG_805]

Lmfao 😂😂😂😂

[@RockyMountainBrewer]

In his defense, he probably signed a NDA about filming repairs on CAT equipment, which is why you don't see it one here much.

[@ChiefChief-km2dy]

Thank you for This great info!

[@joshuapeaker]

As an 18 year old from uk thats been in this industry for 2 years now, I really respect this video and the fact that you understand how important it is to fit in and get along with the people you work with and how the little details you do matters. So big thankyou for this video and really motivates me to keep on in the trade. Some great points about the general population saying that these trades are looked down on thinking that it's easy, especially in the UK we have lads older than me that come in with wrong attitude thinking it's easy that have come out with a qual from college and don't last a month. Glad to see an informative video just saying it how it is.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Joshua Peaker Yes sir! Attention to detail and a great attitude are two of the most important details!

[@justindavis2167]

Some very good information in this video if you’re considering this field this is what you need to know! As this man said an individuals hustle, attention to detail, and ability to accept responsibility will take you a long way in this industry. Also in this industry what you do today, you will pay for in the future, whether it be your body or the quality of work you do

[@jesusmauricioosorio6444]

Dear Christian beyer, this video really gave me a two thumbs up. I willing to walk to a cat dealership and ask about a job apportunity. I'm really interested in working my way up.... thanks Christian beyer....

[@jedidiah4004]

Coming up on 3 years in a class 8 truck shop. Started as a nobody, work ethic is everything.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Jedidiah Hell yeah! Attitude and attention to detail are the two biggest requirements for this industry!

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thank you for making the video.

[@jonathancollins2736]

Thank you very much for this Video

[@TheWaaaghDawg]

Christian I have a interview at my local cat dealership for a diesel mechanic apprentice position.. I understand I will be taking a Bennett's mechanical comprehension test. Is there any advice you can give me for the interview process and possibly a suggestion on what avenue I should take to study for this test? Also want to thank you because with this vid you lit a fire under my ass to go into my local dealership with my resume and shake the hiring managers hand and introduce myself.

[@tantran9934]

appreciate your sharing!

[@theROSEYgammer]

7:12 your cars movin buddy 😂

[@nathangraham7248]

Any advice for someone whose been in the trade for almost 2 years who feels like he’s behind and doesn’t know as much as he feels he should.

[@dakotaalexander9292]

I love having a technician shortage, I know that may seem bad but I called my local Vermeer all roads dealership and spoke with the service manager and he said he was having a hard time finding technicians so he was willing to take in any experience levels. I know start on the 12th of September 2022.

[@danielheady2786]

Enjoy your first day at work tomorrow

[@milomitchener4166]

Still enjoying it?

[@dakotaalexander9292]

@@milomitchener4166 all day every day.

[@blacksmoke5009]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@mider9996]

Great video, thank you

[@djosbun]

Great information, Christian. If UTI charges that much money per year, it would be best to avoid them. It would take way too long to pay off that debt, no matter how good of a technician a person is. Getting a part time job, hopefully while in high school, would be a wonderful way to get started.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Dave Osbun Most definitely a great option!

[@christianheltsleyfishing7464]

I’m just finishing up my first semester with think big and it is a great program

[@unck4865]

Looking to apply to that program … any advice ?

[@samuelwilhoit2123]

I graduated mine last year it’s a great thing.

[@samuelwilhoit2123]

@@unck4865 just go in and talk to someone I’m sure they’d be looking for people show them ur ambitious and wanting to learn and work

[@billymills3893]

@@samuelwilhoit2123will they allow you to do the classroom work online at the thinking program?

[@randygonzalez2266]

@@samuelwilhoit2123how much was it?

[@evalyne4393]

Same thing in trucking. We where per hr now it's preload. So u eat it if u break done. The $20 buck breakdown pay. Doesn't come close to covering miles driven. If ur lucky to get breakdown pay.. also some places r great pay great benefits. Jb hunt, Pepsi, big gravel train places, concrete places. The rest meh pay

[@albaniancowboy2767]

Ima journeyman millwright looking to switch over put an app the operator local and got put a couple apps in with a few different company’s but if I don’t get a call soon ima walk into my local jd and kubota dealers and start asking

[@aymanalsadig2819]

man! I feel like my brother is giving me advice

[@willmeldrum5052]

I am going to UTI in Arizona and it's 40,900 for the whole diesel not including housing and other expense so in the end, I am gonna be in around 55,000 but that's just a guess

[@alexmazzilli9417]

How does 3 years of heavy equipment transmission work look

[@Stumpyyyy]

In Virginia, they offer an apprenticeship program (which I’m in) and its 15 months long. You should have one class a month, and by the end of it , techs average $24 an hour and have their journeyman’s card for diesel mechanic work as a certified diesel mechanic. I didn’t want to go to school, so after about a year and a half out of high school, I bit the bullet and applied. I’ve already gotten offers to go to different departments and the benefits package and retirement plan is honestly next to none in my opinion. Def something to look into if you’re interested in this field.

[@Stumpyyyy]

I should also mention, the hire on rate is almost guaranteed so long as you can pass a piss test, and have a clean record in the sense of no felonies something severe like that. A speeding ticket or something, they’re not worried about. All in all, I will always recommend this company and field, is awesome.

[@codyfowler3384]

@@Stumpyyyy i just had my interview for cat out of nashville was a great program but ill have to wait a little while longer

[@Stumpyyyy]

@@codyfowler3384 that’s great man! I hope to retire for this company.

[@codyfowler3384]

@@Stumpyyyy yeah i couldnt believe how well the enviroment seemed. everyone friendly and willing to help looks like a company i would want to retire from as well. hopefully in 3 years i can make the jump but ill be 30 by then so ive heard you got to get in there right after high school. guess time will tell. glad to here its a good place for you sir!

[@hunt7572]

I just got hired for the Carter apprenticeship. I’ve been working on Fords since high school so I’m excited to try something new

[@vaughndibble4598]

good vid

[@FlorkinLife]

I’m working at an Audi dealer rn, been in automotive for around 5 years, looking into getting into the diesel world. What advice would you have for someone like me who wants to go from automotive to diesel? Thanks, just subscribed to you btw!

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

FlorkinLife I would definitely say stop in at some dealerships and talk to some service managers. Talk over your experience with them (humbly) and see if they’re willing to give you a chance.

[@kiansutton2795]

I am 14 and want to be a heavy equip mechanic and then want to learn fabrication so I can fix and make things for my machines

[@ericwakefield4977]

your at a good age for these ambitions. strive for em and shoot your best shot and you’ll get em. Heavy Equip is the way to go.

[@bigcheese370]

Yes what you say about going to a dealership and saying I want a job and you get hired. Yes you can get out on shitty jobs, some good ones. I know from experience, that’s what I did at a Deere dealership.

[@larryl2682]

I was curious lately and I found an apprenticeship at a cat dealer near me and Im thinking about applying for the job

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Larry s Do it!

[@eduardotejeda]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Please remember to share the links.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Eduardo Tejeda We’ll do!

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Eduardo Tejeda Those links are now in the description.

[@eduardotejeda]

@@ValleyCityAutoYT Thanks.

[@fatbuddycat]

I have less than 2 months experience without any prior experience or education. I'm working as a laborer/hd tech in training. I get pressed for not being efficient enough. I make $18 hr and try my hardest to pick up on things faster but I'm starting to get a sense that it takes years to improve. I did some services and was told it should take a 1/4 of the time to do correctly. I get that I'm slow but I wasn't lying about zero experience when I started. Most of my time is eaten up trying to figure something out when it would be more efficient/effective to have me shadow someone for a few months. I really wish I had legitimate training under my belt. I could be way better for the company.

[@digitalsickness4]

You sound like you work hard. Don't get discourage brother. Main thing is to work methodically and perform work safely, if you write things down that you learn and never make the same mistakes you'll catch on quick. Best thing to carry is a pocketbook and a pen. When I started working as a diesel mechanic in the Navy and then as an industrial compressor tech when I got out a little over a year ago, I learned that all you need to do is find the one guy that readily answers your questions and write down what he says, in front of him, literally. Finding a mentor in the trades is tough, but it just takes one guy to see some potential in you that is willing to share what he knows and you'll start learning tricks of the trade that get you quicker safely. Can't stress safety enough, even trying to learn too quick can get you seriously injured. You got this 👊

[@fatbuddycat]

@digitalsickness4 thanks for the encouragement! I'm just started writing things down last week. You are one hundred percent on point with having a pad or book of sorts.

[@patriciotapia3905]

Can you make a video about the programs or the opportunities for the inmigrants that want to be on this filed?

[@soultosqueeze1853]

Lol yeah we are totally willing to let you keep taking our jobs.

[@bryanyazzie3552]

I did everything you said at Wagner Caterpillar in Aurora Colorado an it didn't go well. I tried to talk to a manger an was referred to hr women they didn't know anything I was very qualified there so unprofessional but I will never give up

[@davidkraus4094]

I'm not sure how other CAT dealers are, but I'm over here on the east coast working for Carter CAT and its the best thing that's ever happened to me. They treat their employees like gold and I love what I do

[@podlfksduesfe2539]

Holy crap man Same here I worked there the summer of 2021 in aurora, colorado also . It was a very poor manage place!. So I left I m happy I am at Bobcat .

[@fishingmontana1564]

Ok so i am 36 have a family 4 kids i work in a transmission shop i love my job like my boss and the coworkers well on they are old school and i like that i have my own tools 🔧 and always buy more as i beed but the thing is i dont see a lot more in growth as far as pay in my job i make ok money but not really for where i live i am getting priced out of it and i dont see my pay being reflected so i am thinking about getting into heavy equipment i dont know much on that end but do learn fast and hands on i am not above sweeping the floor but i would like to be doing small repairs services and shit like that to start i have auto experience so i dont feel like i am a newbie but yeah is school the way to go i am not against it i would use the tool discount to buy more tools lol and i am not the best at diag and electrical stuff so i feel like i could benefit from that but sorry for the book if you read this what would you recommend to look into if you even can recommend i would also like to move so relocation is not out of the option for me

[@zachtaylor2263]

Awesome video. I cant find the links. Thanks

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Zach Taylor Hold tight I will get them.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Zach Taylor The links are now in the description.

[@husbandssam]

Could you join an internship at a Caterpillar dealership even if you don’t have experience?

[@nicklapierre5640]

Yes that’s why they have the internship program

[@bobocaterpillar3697]

maybe with another year of experience you'll learn how to block against motion.... because.... your cars rolling away ... by itself. 7:12

[@TM-tz9rr]

Lmao I thought I was seeing stuff, had to go back and rewatch it twice then I saw your comment😂

[@Mtbslacker]

We had an apprentice program at our dealer that was way better than Think Big. Most of the Think Big guys I've talked to said they should of just done the apprentice program or worked their way up taking advantage of the training dept at the dealership. This feedback is somewhat influenced by the poor location of the Think Big campus. I know at least one guy who has been at the dealership 10 yrs and only recently paid off his schooling...which I think was Nashville Auto Diesel. He could have easily worked his way up the old way and been at the same level. I guess it depends a lot on whether or not your local dealer has a legit training dept or enthusiastic mentors.

[@Mtbslacker]

Good video by the way

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

Josh Slacker Thank you! And yes situations do vary the biggest thing is to get your foot in the door and many times 3-5 years of experience or these programs are what it takes to get a jump at the industry right into a dealership like Cat.

[@BDavid42311]

Thanks for this guys! I work for a company called Briggs Equipment. Great company doing everything they can to get more young people to invest in and develop. Just like most heavy equipment comp ay have poor advertisement and are in need of techs as most techs are in the tail end of their careers retiring within the next 10-15 years.

[@Jake-gz1np]

Did eny one see his car going forward

[@jaydenswafford5639]

yup

[@b.strong9347]

Was thinking the same thing

[@grzegorz16100]

I'm a car mechanic and thinking about going to this sort of field in UK. I don't really enjoy fixing stuff anymore. What should I do?!

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Go fleet diesel or Heavy duty mechanic

[@jonathansmith4964]

How old is that shop looks clean.

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

jonathan Smith Six or seven years. We take contamination control pretty seriously though.

[@BDavid42311]

Was I the only one ☝️ who noticed the car moving while he was talking!?!?

[@hunterlorusso]

Bro I was thinking the same thing

[@jaredmarino9535]

😂😂

[@justinreynolds8720]

i seen it to!

[@johnp1854]

Are you guys hourly or flat rate ?

[@ValleyCityAutoYT]

John Plesea Hourly.

[@butcharmstrong9645]

favriit mechanic channal and hottest bear on U-tube

[@charlespayne1909]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@just_your_localguard9612]

@7:11 I thought my eyes where playing tricks on me.

[@sgtbecket11]

me too

[@crossbowhunter9118]

What sort of stress does it put on a human body?

[@gabrielfranco9786]

Joints, ever since starting at a shop I’ve noticed my hands are a little more tired due to having repetitive movement.

[@indychase1997]

It really depends on you... It's like any other physically demanding job. Be smart when working. If you can use a crane or a come along to pick up heavy parts, do it. If you can use a press instead of swinging a sledge do that. It's all about working smarter not harder. Don't jump off of machines either. Don't let guys in the shop bother you if you decide to go the easier route either... Eat healthy and stretch every morning.

[@mauricemotors8207]

Definitely joints