HOLT CAT posted on June 23, 2026 19:49
New national data shows that internships are becoming one of the most effective pathways to employment. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average job placement rate for interns reached 63.1% in 2024-25, up nearly 13% from the previous year and the highest level recorded in the past five years.
At HOLT, that trend is playing out close to home.
Brayden Figueroa-Cruz, a Marshall High School alumnus, became the first student to complete HOLT’s diesel mechanic and transportation internship program, an initiative created to help address the growing demand for skilled technicians in East Texas. While still in school, Brayden worked approximately 30 hours each week through the program, gaining hands-on experience alongside HOLT technicians and employees.
After graduating this year, Brayden accepted a full-time position with HOLT in the Longview Power Systems Division as a Shop Service Technician 1, transitioning directly from student to employee. From day one, he began earning a full-time salary and benefits while continuing to build the skills and experience needed for a successful career.
Programs like HOLT’s internship opportunities give students a chance to explore career paths, develop technical skills, and gain real-world experience before graduation. For HOLT, they also help build the next generation of skilled professionals who will support customers and communities for years to come.
As internship-to-employment rates continue to rise nationwide, Brayden’s story demonstrates how investing in students today can create meaningful career opportunities tomorrow.