Job shadow

Facillities engineer David Delsigne shows high school juniors Michelle Danser and Patrick Saah a GE 110-100 lower duct as he leads them through Bldg. 3001 shops during a recent Job Shadowing visit. The Tinker program offers students opportunities to see real-world work environments of professionals like Mr. Delsigne, a 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group engineer. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

Area high school students job shadow at Tinker

Published June 19, 2008
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Tinker's June 13 job-shadowing event proved successful.
   Nearly 40 students and teachers from the Langston University Mathematics and Science Academy summer camp toured areas of Bldg. 3001, seeing the 76th Maintenance Wing quality verification, chemical and metallurgical laboratories and learning about the distinctive purposes and abilities of each. Students were also mentored by several of Tinker's engineers.
   "We wanted to really 'wow' them with the different career opportunities at Tinker that have a strong emphasis in math and science skills," said Jennifer Wiebe, Force Development management analyst. "Job shadowing gives students a better appreciation of why they're learning what they're learning, and how those skills are applied on a day-to-day basis in the working community."
   After a cafeteria lunch and brief visit to the gift shop, the students gathered in the main lobby of Bldg. 3001 to be paired off and assigned to an engineer. Sixteen-year-olds Michelle Danser, of Edmond North High School, and Patrick Saah, of Putnam City West High School, were assigned to David Wayne Delsigne, 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group facility engineer.
   Both Michelle and Patrick said they were impressed with the magnitude of the installation.
   "It's really cool and really big," said Michelle, who is considering a career in physical therapy. She said she had been to Tinker once before.
   While with Mr. Delsigne, Michelle and Patrick garnered a better understanding about being a facility engineer in Bldg. 3001. They toured several facility cells and its equipment, including a GE 110-100 engine.
   Mr. Delsigne said as a facility engineer, he has to ensure each cell has enough exits, lighting and room to move around equipment.
   "In my job I have to worry about building codes, safety codes, fire codes and other codes to make a safe work environment," Mr. Delsigne said.