The Sterling High School automotive program is getting a boost from a partnership with International Trucks of Houston – Kyrish Trucks, which is offering students job shadowing, field training, and internship opportunities in the trucking industry.

The company recognized five students in the program at an awards celebration Wednesday for the commitment they’ve shown throughout their internship. HISD Career Readiness program leaders had an opportunity to tour the trucking facility and see the partnership in action as students worked alongside diesel technicians.

“After I graduate from high school, I want to get a degree in diesel technology and work toward a bachelor’s (degree) in business so that I can own a place like this one day,” Sterling student Jemore Buckingham said.

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The students visit the Kyrish Trucks center twice a week to meet with their mentor to work in various areas of the trucking industry.

“When the students go to the job site, they work in the parts department, work on brake transmissions, front end repair work, engine diagnostics, and do some troubleshooting,” Sterling automotive instructor and department chair John Chilo Sr. said.

Once the students graduate, Chilo said they are guaranteed a job with Kyrish Trucks as long as they apply themselves during the internship. Kyrish Trucks will also fund the students’ college tuition at a trade school or community college if they continue working with the company for at least two to three years.

“This is an important partnership because we’re grooming these students to be future leaders and to meet the needs of our area’s growing workforce demands,” Kyrish Trucks Chief Executive Officer Duane Kyrish said.