EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Maintenance Squadron's propulsion flight recently hired their first employee through a Co-Operative Education program organized between Antelope Valley College and Edwards.

Michael Cermack, an aircraft engine mechanic with the 412th MXS , heard about the Co-Op program while attending class for the college's airframe and powerplant program.

The propulsion flight saw the need for a Co-Op program in 2001, said Larry Wolford, 412th MXS propulsion flight propulsion manager. Edwards organizations were looking for new options to augment their personnel after converting to a mostly civilian workforce.

"I never heard about the Co-Op program until Mr. Wolford came to AVC and spoke about what he was offering," Mr. Cermack said. "He interviewed several candidates and here I am."

Anyone who is currently enrolled in the airframe powerplant program can be a part of the Co-Op program, Mr. Wolford said.

To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 grade point average, be actively enrolled in the airframe powerplant program, be interviewed and show potential to handle the workload, he said. 

"If they meet those requirements, we will bring them into the Co-Op program," Mr. Wolford said. 

The airframe powerplant program gives students a general overview of the airframe powerplant world, Mr. Wolford said. The co-op program expands on that experience.

"If you have a love for the military and aircraft, there's no better place to work," he said. "We do everything at Edwards first before the rest of the Air Force. We provide the test motors that go out to the field. The wide variety of engines here provides a greater knowledge base than most places outside of Edwards."

Once the students are in the Co-Op program, they are required to log 640 hours of work with the propulsion flight, Mr. Wolford said.

"They work 20 hours a week so the job doesn't interfere with their classes," he said. "At the end of those 640 hours, if they meet our needs, we can hire them."

Mr. Cermack said he has had a positive experience in the propulsion flight so far.

"Compared to my other jobs, everyone here has been a lot more willing to teach you what they know," he said. 

Mr. Wolford hopes to expand the program in the future.

"I know the fabrication flight is expressing interest in the program to be used for the sheet metals and composites arena," he said. "I truly want to use the Co-Op program to backfill our positions and give the local community an opportunity. I plan to get out to the college soon and conduct more interviews."

It can be difficult to get a part-time job in the local area in a career field such as aircraft engines, Mr. Cermack said. 

"It's challenging and you have to know what you're doing," he said. "However, if you take things step by step and go by the book, you will be fine. It's definitely a unique experience."

For more information, call Larry Wolford at 277-3904 or e-mail larry.wolford@edwards.af.mil.