Aviano teens, children get up-close look into base workforce

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  About 200 Aviano children and teens got an up-close look into the career fields of their choice Feb. 5 as they spent the day shadowing various Airmen and civilians across the base.

The event is part of the Aviano Middle/High School and Elementary School's Job Shadow Day, an annual event that affords students the opportunity to experience the routine and rigor of a typical work day.

"Job shadowing is a win-win situation for all involved," said Michelle Gardner, 31st Mission Support Group school liaison. "Students learn first-hand what it takes to make it in 'the real world' from the people who know it best - our military and civilian professionals and in turn, our military and civilian professionals get to make a difference and share their knowledge with our youth."

Prior to the event, interested Aviano MHS students had to contact the office of the career field they were interested in and request to shadow someone in that field; while elementary school participants had the option to either shadow their parent or a parent's colleague.

With a variety of career fields to choose from, base teens and children were seen everywhere from the 31st Medical Groups' surgical section and dental clinic to the Buon Appetito Dining Facility, post office and 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"The great thing about this program is that participants (especially the teens) get that hands-on experience which can help them determine if this is actually a career field they like and want to pursue further or perhaps that maybe it isn't for them," said Kim James, freshman counselor. "We've had many kids come out of this experience thrilled about what they had experienced and committed to pursuing that career field down the line."

Staff Sgt. Dorothy James of the Buon Appetito Dining Facility in Area 2 hosted eight middle school and high school-age children during the day. During their time at the facility, the children toured the building, shadowed some of the cooks, helped prepare sandwiches and served customers.

"I think it was a good experience for the staff and the kids," said Sergeant James. "Most people, including the children, don't realize all the work that goes into preparing each meal. This is a great opportunity for them to see just what it takes."

Aviano High School sophomore Connor McGilvra said he enjoyed his time at the dining facility and is interested in pursuing the culinary arts in the future.

"I was hoping it would be a little more hands-on in the cooking aspect (which wasn't possible), but it's been a good experience," he said. "The cooks had some great ideas on how to prepare certain things. It's been pretty fun."

Mrs. Gardner added that the job shadowing program is also something that correlates to the students' school work, adding yet another benefit to their participation.

"The students experience first-hand how core classes such as reading and mathematics are fundamental in being successful in the workplace," she said.

Ms. James added that many of the students are also tasked to write reports or give presentations in their various classes on what they experienced and learned.

"It's just a good way to tie it all together," she said, "bringing the end to another successful year."