Apprenticeship program says 'you're hired!'

By Don Robbins, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsAugust 28, 2009

Apprenticeship program says 'you're hired!'
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Darius Lindsey (left) and Kachet Charles read through an informational packet about the "Hired!" program at the Teen Center, Schofield Barracks. The innovative apprenticeship program is offering real-life work experience ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Career-oriented students met at the Teen Center, here, to obtain information about an innovative apprenticeship program offering not only real-life work experience, but paid jobs to local teens, Aug. 10-14.

The Child, Youth and School Services (CYS2) program "Hired!" provides teens ages 15-18 with meaningful, professionally managed career-exploration opportunities within U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii (USAG-HI) Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) operations along with paid work experience and training.

Vicky Agbayani, workforce preparation specialist, met with students at Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, and Aliamanu and Helemano Military reservations to introduce the "Hired!" candidates to the program and the jobs available.

Leilehua High School student Darius Lindsey, 16, attended a brief looking for an avenue for achieving his goals and possibly to find a job.

"It's a good program. If you're looking to become a more mature teenager, you should take a look at it," said Lindsey. "My goal is to learn about being on my own, to live responsibly, take care of myself and be an adult."

His mother, Spc. Sheena Smith, told Lindsey about the program in hopes that it would increase his confidence when looking for a job.

Lindsey, who likes basketball and football, said he would like to pursue a career in military intelligence.

"I'm a sports guy," he said, telling Agbayani that he would like to obtain an apprenticeship in sports or some field working in the outdoors.

High school students accepted into the apprenticeship are placed in 12-week positions within FMWR under the guidance of a dedicated on-site mentor.

Through the program, teen apprentices are also encouraged to participate in college-level workshops through CYS2.

Some of the fields the apprentices can explore are education, marketing, graphic design, library and information science, and sports management.

Positions are offered at the bowling center, in the FMWR marketing office, at the golf course, outdoor recreation and other facilities.

Victoria Maghanoy, 16, is another student who met with Agbayani about the "Hired!" program.

"I want to become a pastry chef and go to a four-year college," said the Leilehua High School 11th-grader. She hopes to be hired as an apprentice at the Nehelani Banquet and Conference Center at Schofield Barracks.

During the 12-week apprenticeship, Maghanoy wants to learn how to prepare food for parties. Her ultimate goal is to open her own business as a pastry chef.

Maghanoy attended a filming of the Food Network show "Ace of Cakes" at Schofield Barracks, earlier this year, where the cast created a Black Hawk helicopter cake for Soldiers and their families.

"They signed my rolling pin," Maghanoy said.

"Hired!" and another FMWR-partnered program called "Edge" (Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel) are under the umbrella of a larger program called "Venturepoint," Agbayani explained.

The programs assist the garrison by bridging the gap between homeschool, private and public school students, she said.

They also allow all on-base tools to be used, maximizing resources, added Agbayani.

Venturepoint is designed to increase child and youth participation, enhance program experiences for Army families and to support the commitments outlined in the Army Family Covenant - a pledge recognizing the increasing sacrifices that Army families are making and a commitment to provide Soldiers and families a quality of life that is commensurate with their service.

The deadline for Term 1 apprenticeship applications for the "Hired!" program is Aug. 31. For more information, call Vicky Agbayani at 655-0445 or e-mail <a href="mailto:vicky.agbayani@us.army.mil">vicky.agbayani@us.army.mil</a>.