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Summer hire program provides students on-the-job experience

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Andersen's civilian personnel office offers opportunities for high school and college students to gain valuable job experience through its summer hire program. 

More than 50 students were chosen by lottery from a pool of more than 360 applications. Along with students from Guam High School, students from all off-base public schools and even some private schools were considered for the available positions. This is the third consecutive year the program has been implemented. 

"This program gives students the experience and knowledge of the corporate world and the workforce," said Michelle Flores, CPO human resource specialist. "It gives them an idea of what to expect once they graduate." 

Units and facilities around base such as lodging, the fitness center and the child development center offered clerk and laborer positions for the students. Clerks perform light computer work and act in a secretarial role while laborers shadow workers within the unit and assist with light day-to-day duties. 

In addition to the experience gained, students filling these positions receive compensation for their services. 

The program is important because it teaches the students what it's like to have a job and to understand what it's like to work with a supervisor who expects them to do certain tasks, Ms. Flores said. It's important for them to learn the value of the dollar from the opportunity to have a paycheck come in every two weeks. 

Amber Fejeran, an administrative clerk at the fitness center, attends George Washington High School and is a participant in the summer hire program. 

"It's a great opportunity for me," Ms. Fejeran said. "I get the experience of working and the pay is pretty good. I know what to expect when I go out and get another job in the future."