FORT BELVOIR, Va -- It's a catch 22: to be hired, you need experience; to get experience, you need to be hired. Fort Belvoir has implemented a program that may be the solution to the dilemma.
Hired! an apprenticeship program helps students gain a competitive edge by giving them an opportunity to work in different career fields.
Hired! was launched worldwide at most Army installations this summer, and partners students ages 15 to 18 with a worksite mentor at Belvoir to gain exposure and experience to a career they may be interested in.
"Currently, we have students at Graves Fitness Center, the Community Center, and the golf course. The program is a 12-week apprenticeship offered four times a year. Students commit to working 15 hours over a seven day period. Students may work two terms per year for three consecutive years," said Wendy O'Sullivan, work force preparation specialist.
To apply, students must be registered with Community Youth Services, have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National or lawful permanent resident of the United States, complete program training, and one financial management workshop.
"Once through the application and interview process, students could possibly sample six career sites to get a taste for what they like and don't like." " A student may think, 'Well I didn't like that career as much as I thought I would,' or 'I never considered this other career, and really love it,'" O'Sullivan said.
A senior at Hayfield High School in Alexandria, Sabrina Diaz went on a college interview over the summer where they asked her about her experience.
"Macon College was really interested in what I was doing, and what the program was about. I think the work experience really gives us a competitive edge," Diaz said.
Diaz works at the front desk in the Community Center. She assists with ticketing, giving directions, answering questions about the installation, and answering phones.
" Ideally, I would like a career that involves traveling and use of my language skills," Diaz said.
"In this position I've learned so much about how the work world really works and how much responsibility each person has. My mentor has taught me how employee personalities play a large role in day-to-day activities.
"I've also looked at job descriptions so I get a look at what kind of education and experiences certain positions need," Diaz said.
Another student, Ryan Sealey, just completed his hours at Graves Fitness Center.
The high school junior at Mount Vernon worked the front desk this summer.
"I assisted with reservations, classes, rock-wall scheduling, safety, and sterilizing workout equipment. I've learned a lot about team work. It takes a team to get things done by their deadline," Sealey said.
Sealey has culinary interests and hopes to come back to Belvoir to put his culinary interests to work.
Darrell Hall worked at Graves Fitness Center and in the Body Shop when the weather wasn't good. He assisted with field maintenance. The program helped him make a connection between his school studies and the work world.
"I help keep the fields up-to-par, like painting the lines on the football field. A lot of geometry was involved. It was surprising how much math was needed. You really have to be very accurate," Hall said.
Hall is a senior at Mount Vernon High School. He also hopes to come back to Belvoir to gain more experience. His passions being sports and aviation.
The mentors gain just as much as the students do.
"One mentor said he would like to be a manager in the future. Having a mentee helped prepare him and give him some experience," O'Sullivan said.
"Mentors also gain enrichment from encouraging the youth. The program is currently looking for more organizations to take on students."
O'Sullivan said she has received positive feedback from the mentors, as well.
"The feedback from the mentors has been incredible. They tell me how motivated, talented, willing to work, and how smart these students are. It speaks volumes about them," O'Sullivan said.
Not only does the program give students career skills, but prepares them for life, as well.
"The program also incorporates several workshops, including interview skills and finances. Overall, the students learn how to communicate effectively, and gain exposure to customer service. They learn every day is not pleasant, and how to deal with those days as a responsible employee," said O'Sullivan.
More information on the Hired! program is available from Wendy O'Sullivan, 703-805-4610 or via e-mail to ena.w.osullivan@us.army.mil.
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