News

Youth Apprenticeship Program lets students test drive careers

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Some local high school students are spending time on the flightline this summer finding out whether a career in aircraft maintenance is right for them.

The students are in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, which gives them the opportunity to do hands-on work on base in a variety of fields.

The YAP program in the 402th Maintenance Wing is looking primarily to spur student interest in maintenance, but there are also students in the program with interest in administrative jobs, said Carol Ercey, supervisor for program management sustainment.
She said YAP is a significant program for recruiting future employees.

"I think it's important because if they don't know what we do out here, then how would they know what they need to do to become employed out here?" she said.

Of the 38 students in this year's program, 26 are oriented toward pursuing a vocational school degree , aiming for a career in maintenance. The others are targeted toward general schedule positions, with the intent of seeking a college degree and seeking administrative jobs.

The 402nd is doing something different with the program this year, Ms. Ercey said. In previous years, the students were taken to one area where they spent most of their time. This year the group, which includes juniors and seniors, are getting a broader view.

The students spent the first two weeks visiting all of the squadrons in the 402nd. They also toured the base to learn about some of the "fun stuff" here, like the bowling alley, the fitness center, the theater, and recreation areas.

"They got to visit a lot of different areas to learn what we really do at Robins," she said.

Then the seniors were assigned different areas in which to work based on their career goals.

Students working in the C-17 area last week said the program has been helpful in showing them what it would be like to work at Robins.

"It gives you insight into the different jobs out here," said Ashley Jackson, who is entering her senior year at Warner Robins High School. "I think it really helps me make a decision about working here."

Miranda Densley, who is entering her senior year at Hutchings Career Center in Macon, agreed that the Youth Apprenticeship Program has been a worthwhile experience.

"It has given me a chance to see what I like and don't like," she said.

Jeff Williams, C-17 aircraft overhaul supervisor, said he likes working with the students and believes it will help lure future full-time employees.

"All of them have good attitudes," he said. "The students they are bringing us have demonstrated that they are interested in their future." 

C-17 director Edward Montano said his son worked at Robins in the Youth Apprenticeship Program and is now here full-time as an F-15 Eagle mechanic.

Ms. Ercey said she encourages employees at Robins who have children in high school to look into the YAP program. She said students can go to their guidance counselor to ask about applying for the program.

Whether YAP students go on to work at Robins or not, program manager Steve Hawn said it's still helpful in teaching teenagers valuable job skills, and it's also good community relations. 

"It's been really good for the community to let them know that Robins is in the community, and that they can see what students need to be able to come out here and work," he said.