BEXAR COUNTY - A new program provides Southwest ISD students with the opportunity to learn a trade and earn money right out of high school.

• Program made possible by Holt Cat
• 165 students have interned and 83 have become full-time employees

For the third time, heavy equipment dealer Holt Cat has opened up positions for high school students. Students work in different areas such as welding, equipment, the engine shop, business, and IT.

"Our goal at the end of the day is to turn them into full-time employees at Holt Cat," said Holt Cat Director of Interns and Apprenctice Programs Tony Spalding.

So far, 165 students have interned and 83 have become full-time employees. It's made a big difference for student Andrew Rodriguez.

"Right now I'm going to St. Philips. So I had interned there in the summer and then I finished it, and right now I'm going to college in the morning and I'll come back and I'll work for Holt Cat," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has earned money, while still earning college credits.

"For these young folks, whenever they come in we start them in January as juniors at $10.60 an hour. We're going to give them incremental pay raises throughout their time as an intern because we give them raises every gate. Then when they come to work for us full time they're going to be making upwards of $17 an hour," Spalding said.

For more information on the internship program, visit the Holt Cat website.