WSU Tech, Foley Equipment open ThinkBIG Lab to expand technician training pipeline

Earn-while-you-learn program prepares students for high-demand careers through classroom and on-the-job experience

WICHITA, Kan. – April 15, 2026 – Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) and Foley Equipment have opened a new ThinkBIG Lab at WSU Tech’s City Center Campus, expanding hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers as heavy equipment technicians.

The new lab, totaling nearly 4,000 square feet, features engine and transmission teardown stations, providing students with a real-world environment that mirrors today’s industry settings.

The ThinkBIG program is a Caterpillar-developed technician training program delivered through a nationwide network of colleges and dealerships. At WSU Tech, the program is offered in partnership with Foley Equipment, the Caterpillar dealer for Kansas and northwest Missouri.

Students in the program are employed by Foley Equipment and participate in a structured, earn-while-you-learn model, spending half their time in the classroom and half working in the field, gaining real-world experience alongside industry professionals while earning a paycheck. Drawing students from across the region, the program is helping build a pipeline of skilled technicians prepared to meet industry demand.

There are currently 21 students enrolled in the program, with nine completing this spring and moving into full-time employment at Foley Equipment. An additional 27 students have committed to begin the program this fall, many of whom participated in a recent Signing Day event to mark their decision.

“I’m proud to be part of this program,” said John Jenkins, soon-to-be graduate of the WSU Tech and Foley Equipment ThinkBIG program. “The support from WSU Tech and the experience with Foley Equipment have helped me grow as both a student and a technician.”

In addition to paid, hands-on training, students may receive tuition support and a professional-grade toolkit valued at approximately $14,000, helping reduce financial barriers while preparing them for long-term careers in the field.

Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech, said the lab represents a continued investment in workforce training aligned with industry needs.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Foley Equipment and the opportunities it creates for our students,” said Dr. Sheree Utash. “By combining paid training, industry support, and direct employment pathways, this program creates access to high-demand careers for students who may not have otherwise pursued them.”

Ann Konecny, president and CEO of Foley Equipment, emphasized the importance of building a strong pipeline of skilled technicians.

“Our business depends on the excellence of our people, and that starts with investing in the next generation,” said Konecny. “Through the Caterpillar ThinkBIG program and our partnership with WSU Tech, participants gain the experience and skills needed to deliver the very best for our customers and enjoy long-term careers with us.”

The ThinkBIG Lab will serve as a central hub for the program’s classroom instruction, complementing the on-the-job training students receive through their rotations with Foley Equipment. Together, the program and facility are designed to address the growing demand for skilled technicians across the heavy equipment industry.

Students in the program graduate with an associate degree, real-world experience, and a direct pathway into full-time employment, positioning them for long-term careers with opportunities for advancement.

For more information about the ThinkBIG program at WSU Tech in partnership with Foley Equipment, visit https://wsutech.edu/thinkbig.About

Foley Equipment

Foley Industries – Foley Equipment, Foley Power Solutions, Foley Rental and SITECH Central – is in its ninth decade of empowering progress for Kansas and Missouri customers. Foley’s 1,300+ employees strive every day to safely deliver excellence in service, parts, rental, and sales across a broad line of Caterpillar construction and power generation products, multiple brands of construction and power rental equipment, over-the-road truck services, SITECH construction technology solutions and Shuttlewagon rail car movers. For more information, please visit www.FoleyEq.com.

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

 In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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