Pathways Program: A path to success in federal service Published March 13, 2015 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- (Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles dealing with the personnel process.) The Pathways program offers students and graduates a step up to training and career opportunities in federal service. The overall program includes Internship and Recent Graduates programs. Pathways Internship Program Students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in any of a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level to be eligible for the Pathways Intern Program. According to Delia Hansen, a human resources specialist with the Air Force Sustainment Center's Civilian Personnel Directorate, Tinker works with several schools including Francis Tuttle, Gordon Cooper and Metro Tech for the intern program. Aircraft sheetmetal mechanics and airframe students are areas of interest for the intern program. "It's a wonderful program for students who are looking to get experience prior to full-time employment. Any time students have the opportunity to do an internship they should," said Aquilah Ahmad, a Developmental Program manager with the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Ms. Ahmad said experience can enhance a student's academic career and help them gain better understanding of what classes to take and what type of job they will want to pursue post-graduation. "Internships also help the federal government recruit enthusiastic employees who are geared towards process improvement which is greatly needed with aging aircraft and facilities," she said. The slots available to interns are limited based on the needs of the maintenance complexes, including the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, Ogden ALC in Utah and Warner-Robins ALC in Georgia. Ms. Ahmad said that there is so much talent out there and that oftentimes, the interns find themselves placed after graduation in full time positions, especially if they go on to get a more advanced degree. Recent Graduates Program The Recent Graduates Program provides an entry-level developmental experience for individuals who have graduated from qualifying schools or programs within the previous two years, and seek a dynamic, career developmental program with training and mentorship. The Recent Graduates Program is not limited to graduate students; it is for individuals who recently completed the requirements for a wide range of degrees or certificates. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply). After completing one year in the program, the training may lead to a civil service career in the federal government. Some positions warrant a longer and more structured training program. For more information on how to apply to the Pathways program, call the Tinker AFPC Employment Office at 739-5088 or the Tinker Civilian Personnel Office at 736-7385.