35 high school students received welding certifications, boosting their readiness for skilled trades careers.
BOERNE, Texas — 35 students from Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School earned their American Welding Society certifications on Tuesday afternoon as part of a groundbreaking partnership between Boerne ISD and HOLT CAT—the largest Caterpillar equipment dealer in the nation.
The program, the first of its kind in Texas, is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
The certification ceremony marked a major milestone in workforce development, offering high school juniors and seniors a fast track into industries facing critical labor shortages.
“This is the first project of its kind where we’ve actually worked directly with the school system to address that skills gap,” said Rick Elmore, talent outreach and development manager for HOLT CAT.
The program was created to address the growing national shortage of welders, electricians and other tradespeople.
According to national labor data, there are currently over 1 million skilled trade job openings across the U.S.—a gap that’s expected to widen over the next decade.
“Texas is fixing to be the shining example to the nation of how we’re to bring vocational education back. Full swing,” said Dorman Vick, welding instructor at Champion High School. “To be able to get these kids job ready while they’re still in high school, it’s incredible.”
Students in the class gain hands-on experience using real welding equipment, learning industry techniques and discipline — and even receiving mentorship from HOLT professionals. The curriculum is built to meet workforce needs immediately after graduation.
“We’re looking for young people to show up, to work on time. Who can follow instructions,” Elmore said. “And Mr. Vick has done a great job of preparing those students with that process.”
Beyond the technical skills, educators say the program also builds confidence and community—traits that often aren’t found in traditional classrooms.
“Industry is going to step in,” Vick added. “What do they need to fill the workforce of America? To keep this great democracy with buildings that don’t fall down, roads that are comfortable to drive, bridges that are safe.”
As the program gains momentum, both Boerne ISD and HOLT CAT say they hope to expand it to more schools across Texas. Tuesday’s event may have handed out certifications but students walked away with something bigger: a career, a purpose and a head start on their future.