JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas -- Air Force civilians with the 12th Maintenance Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph hosted 22 students from Wagner High School in the Judson Independent School District as part of the San Antonio Job Shadow Day Feb. 2.
During their visit, the students engaged in a discussion about internship programs, received a window tour of the T-1 and T-38 flightlines and visited a phase inspection facility where mechanics explained their jobs and answered questions. The visit ended with a working lunch where the students dined with four maintainers and learned more about the 12th MXG employees’ duties.
“This was a learning experience where the students were introduced to opportunities and expectations within the aircraft maintenance community,” said Felicia Sargent, 12th MXG Aircraft Maintenance Program manager. “This gave the students an opportunity to ask questions and hopefully help them plan for the future and help them decide what major to pursue in college or vocational school.
It's much better to learn which jobs you like or don't like now, rather than wait until after you've graduated college to learn you don't like the career your major prepared you for.”
More than 100 companies in San Antonio connected with local high school students in an industry-led effort to generate interest in local jobs. Job Shadow Day is sponsored by San Antonio Works, an industry-led collective impact initiative developed by the Alamo Colleges to implement workforce development national best practices, and partnered with Junior Achievement to allow a half-day of experience-based learning while mentors explain how to join and succeed in the workforce.
“This is an opportunity for the students to learn there are good jobs available for those that have the grades, skills, attitude and motivation to work on aircraft and aircraft-related support equipment - if they stay out of trouble with the law, stay away from drugs and are willing to work hard,” said Robert Hamm, 12th MXG deputy director. “Working in federal service is a great deal for these folks if they have what it takes.”
Sargent said she hopes students walked away from this experience knowing there are many opportunities out there if they work hard and were able to gain a real-world perspective on the knowledge, skills and attitude needed for success in the world.
She also said there are job opportunities for them right here at home.
“Hopefully when they finish their education, they'll be able to come back here and help the community grow and prosper,” Sargent said.
Headquartered at JBSA-Randolph, the 12th MXG is an all-civil service maintenance outfit with 559 assigned and 593 authorized personnel. The 12th MXG has three squadrons – 12th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 12th Maintenance Squadron and 812th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Pensacola, Fla. The 12th MXG performs launch, recovery and off/on equipment maintenance for T-1A, T-6A, T-38C and T-38 aircraft valued at more than $760 million.