News

Youth apprenticeship program gives students career taste test

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A record number of area high school students are spending their summer at Robins preparing for their future through the Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Benita Campbell, civilian guidance counselor, said the 115 students processed into the program Monday reflects a growing interest among students in careers at Robins.

"A lot of students want to be able to get that real-world experience," she said.

The students will work in a variety of areas across the base, including blue- collar and white-collar positions. In addition to paychecks, they also get school credit for their work here.

First-year students will spend two weeks here, while second- and third-year students will spend six weeks.

Trent Gainous, who graduated from Northside High School this year, is entering his third year in the program. He has worked a variety of jobs related to program management.

"It's definitely given me great insight on the inner workings of the base," he said. "It's based on a lot of team work."

Gainous said he plans to attend Macon State College and earn a business degree. He would like to enter the co-op program, which allows college and technical school students to work here while earning their degrees.

The students went through processing at the Museum of Aviation, including taking an oath.