Promotion Announcement: Intern Advances to Employee Position at Global Motor Corporation
In the heart of Texas, the International Motors San Antonio Manufacturing Plant is making a significant impact on local education and employment. The plant, which began operations in 2022, has partnered with SA WORX and other manufacturing employers to launch a summer internship program aimed at high school students.
This paid, hands-on program is designed to develop local talent and build career pathways in manufacturing. It has been running for 10 years now, and over the summer, it hosts around 200-300 high school interns.
One of the key focuses of this program is to provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Last summer, for instance, International Motors recruited 30 seniors from Southside High School, a predominantly economically disadvantaged school in San Antonio.
The internship offers a unique chance for students to gain direct, hands-on work experience in manufacturing settings. For many, it's their first exposure to a career pathway after high school. As one participant put it, it was the first time her school offered such direct career openings.
The program not only provides work experience but also supports long-term employment opportunities for youth in the region. It's a stepping stone towards a career in manufacturing, with potential growth trajectories within the automotive industry.
Similar partner programs, such as Toyota's internships, offer broader opportunities across education levels and include mentorship, networking, and leadership development.
Anthony Degollado, a former intern at International Motors, is a shining example of the program's success. He was a senior with no post-graduation plans when he toured the plant. After a three-week internship, he was offered a full-time job with a solid career path. Seven of the original 30 International interns received similar opportunities.
Ariella Cantu, another intern, initially felt apprehensive about working in manufacturing but grew comfortable, made friends, and excelled at her work. She heard about the internship from a friend and applied for work experience and funds to pursue college.
This summer, International Motors is preparing for another round of interns, offering a wage of $19 per hour. The plant, spanning 900,000 square feet, builds Class 6 through 8 diesel and electric vehicles.
The internship program at International Motors offers a potential career path for high school students, according to Delgado. He and Cantu now help and participate as employees during job shadow days, sharing their experiences with the internship program and the company.
This program is a testament to San Antonio's goal to connect students with career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. It directly contributes to skilled workforce development in the city's manufacturing sector and serves as a model for integrated industry-education collaboration.
- In addition to providing career opportunities for local students, the International Motors San Antonio Manufacturing Plant has also expanded its partnerships to include companies like Toyota, offering mentorship, networking, and education-and-self-development programs.
- The internship program at International Motors also highlights the significance of finance in the industry, as interns are offered a wage of $19 per hour, investing in the education and self-development of future employees while concurrently fostering their potential growth in the automotive and finance sectors.
