MESA, Arizona – June 23, 2026 – A record 36 students earned Associate in Applied Science degrees from Mesa Community College (MCC) in 2026 while participating in Empire Southwest’s highly competitive ThinkBIG apprenticeship program. This marks the largest graduating class in the program’s history, launching in August 2003 and celebrating its first graduating class in 2005. MCC is the only Arizona college partnering in the ThinkBIG program with Empire Southwest, the Caterpillar dealer for Arizona, Nevada and parts of southeastern California.
Graduates leave the program with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) from MCC and Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician credentials recognized worldwide. Over the course of the program, students combine classroom instruction, hands-on technical training and paid internships focused on advanced diesel technology, hydraulics, diagnostics and heavy equipment systems. Altogether, the 2026 graduating class contributed more than 46,000 hours of labor experience during their technical apprenticeship while completing the program with zero recordable safety incidents.
“MCC’s longstanding partnership with Empire Southwest enables the college to provide a myriad of opportunities to students for career growth while strengthening a workforce ready to fill high-demand jobs in our communities,” said Michael Voss, Dean of Instruction, Allied Health, Applied Sciences & Technology, Business and Computer Information Systems.
“We all share a commitment to developing the next generation of highly skilled technicians and industry leaders,” he added.
The ThinkBIG commencement ceremony was highlighted by remarks from Empire Southwest’s President and CEO Jeff Whiteman, who described Empire’s technical workforce as the “lifeblood” of the company and emphasized the importance of safety, mentorship, leadership and continuous improvement. Voss pointed out that his comments reinforced the value of workforce education partnerships and the life-changing opportunities available to students through programs like ThinkBIG.
“I have great confidence in this graduating class. Some of our best leaders went through ThinkBIG, and that’s the expectation – that these graduates make a great career out of working at Empire and grow into being a great leader,” stated Whiteman.
For information about MCC’s AAS, Caterpillar Technician Training, visit mesacc.edu/programs/caterpillar-technician.
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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892
About Empire Southwest, LLC
Empire Southwest is an authorized Cat® dealer for heavy equipment and power systems throughout Arizona, Nevada and portions of California. In addition, Empire is a provider of Tier 1 commercial solar products and microgrids, an authorized AGCO equipment dealer representing Fendt and Massey Ferguson, an authorized Trimble dealer through SITECH Southwest, and a premiere distributor of Maintainer, Trail King and other leading truck and trailer brands. The third-generation, family-owned company was founded in 1950 and has over 4,100 employees across 30+ locations. Learn more about Empire's products, services, partnerships, and careers at empirecat.com.
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.