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Summer Hire Program prepares students for future

  • Published
  • By Krystal Everett
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Searching for a job is an inevitable task for many teens and is also extremely competitive for students looking for a temporary work place during the summer.

Sheppard's 82nd Force Support Squadron Civilian Personnel Office makes finding a summer job for high school and college students easier through the Air Force's Summer Hire Program. This unique military program evolved to prepare students in high school and college for the future by allowing them to work directly with civil service employees and military members during the summer break.

"The Summer Hire Program is an extremely competitive Air Force-wide program," said Mark Rangel, 82nd FSS human resources specialist. "This year we received over 250 applications to fill 104 positions."

Students are placed in various jobs including clerical and manual labor positions. Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of employment. More importantly, they must be currently enrolled in high school or college. The program allows all students to apply and participate, regardless of their affiliation with the military, he said.

"Being a summer hire has a lot of benefits," said Fernando Moore, a 16-year-old first-time summer hire who works as a clerk in the dorms. "It keeps me out of trouble and makes good use of the summer. It is also helping me to learn about Air Force life."

Mr. Moore explained that by working in a fast-pace environment like a military installation, he has acquired many skills that he uses in situations outside of work. Specifically, working as a clerk has enhanced his computer skills in his high school classes.

His supervisor, Staff Sgt. Mario Frank, 360th Training Squadron military training leader, said there is more to the program than just providing a summer job. It gives permanent party members and civil service employees an opportunity to catch up on some of the bigger day-to-day tasks.

"It is great having them work with us because they can knock out a lot of small tasks that get in the way of major responsibilities," Sergeant Frank said.

Students benefit by being able to apply themselves in situations, learn how to take direction and get better experience with military procedure and organization, which ultimately builds their supervisory skills.

For many, being a summer hire is not only a temporary job, but an important factor in the decision whether to join the military or not.

"Working on a military base has changed my perspective of Sheppard and the Air Force in general," Mr. Moore said. "You never really know what goes on inside a military base. Being an employee, even if it's only for a summer, allows me to learn the depths of it."

Mr. Rangel said the challenges of the work environment prepare students for life after graduation. He said the program has four goals to help students meet those tests.

"The first goal is to help prepare young future leaders for life during and after their high school and college years. Second, to expose the students to public service. The third goal is to enhance community relations," he said. "And last, but not least, it helps many organizations throughout the base with manpower to accomplish the mission."