Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Working a summer job on base is about more than introducing the next generation of workers to government employment. It's also about giving youths a sense of direction.
"The (student temporary employment) program gets youths exposed to the work area and can help them get into other positions later," said Margaret Lambert of the 37th Mission Support Squadron Civilian Personnel Office. "It prepares them for future government work."
STEP has already received more than 200 applications for the 161 job openings on base this summer. The CPO will continue accepting applications through May 31.
Jobs range from clerks to laborers to computer operators to recreational technicians. The appointments do not to exceed 89 days.
Postings are online at
www.usajobs.com.
Applicants do not have to be affiliated with the military. However, they must be students enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, as degree-seeking students, be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment, and have a grade point average of at least 2.0.
A repeat employee through STEP, 19-year-old James Taylor, who is a self-proclaimed 100 percent civilian with no military connections, is getting ready to start his fourth summer here, this time as a lead lifeguard.
"This is great for students," Mr. Taylor said. "They offer flexible hours so you're able to do summer schooling and still get 40 hours.
"Plus they take care of us here, making sure we drink enough water or aren't on the (lifeguard) stands too long," he continued, comparing his experiences to those of his friends who have worked at various locations outside of Lackland.
The 37th Training Wing Safety Office constantly monitors base activities, to include the STEP, to ensure all safety issues are addressed.
The base has participated in STEP for the past 10 years, which has helped organizations with their workloads during times of heavy deployments and force shaping, according to Hope Hernandez, 37th MSS civilian personnel officer.
Organizations submit their summer hire wish lists to the CPO in early spring. The number of individuals hired, however, depends on the funds authorized from civilian pay.
With recent cutbacks, Cynthia Garcia, another 37th MSS civilian personnel officer, said they were initially concerned they may not be given the money to run the 37th Training Wing-managed program this year.
The funding did come through, but with a slight cut. Although there are 161 projected vacancies, up from 147 in 2006, that increase is accounted for by Wilford Hall Medical Center's and the 433rd Airlift Wing's participation in the program.
Those organizations bring their own pot of money into the summer hire program, Ms. Garcia explained.
While the program is designed to introduce youths to government service, it's also an effective recruiting tool for the Air Force. According to Mr. Tayor, he's known several summer hires that later joined the Air Force after working on Lackland.
And for himself, he admits he's learned a lot about the Air Force, such as the importance of teamwork and the joint nature of today's military.
"And, you're not all pilots," he concludes with a laugh.