PASADENA, Texas -- A local school district is helping students gain skills that can help them get work right after graduation and drives them to success, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Monday.

Luis Calvo learned what it is really like to be a mechanic while still in high school.

"I love doing this, always wanted to do this since I was a little kid," he said.

He was one of 16 students from the Pasadena Independent School District working in dealerships around the city in a hands-on program.

Officials said the program also gives students the tools to succeed. Students can earn a toolbox worth approximately $5,000 with hard work.

"It started as (General Motors) realized there weren't enough mechanics in the field," said Sarah Robleski with Pasadena ISD.

Now, most major manufacturers have programs similar to this, including Monument Chevrolet.

"A good technician, there is a shortage and they're hard to come by, so we grow our own," said Carroll Smith, the owner of Monument Chevrolet.

Lenny Gordon finished the program and works as a service manager now.

"You get paid. It gives you an opportunity to see if this is what you want to do, or not. What you want to do," Gordon said.

Pasadena ISD officials said they have had more than 200 students go through the program. Each is selected based on their science and math skills, GPA and recommendations.