Army teens are learning what it takes to be successful in the "real world" thanks to a program made possible by Fort Lewis FMWR and Child, Youth and School Services.

The "Hired!" Apprenticeship Program prepares 15 to 18 years olds for employment through career exploration and hands-on experience.

Teens spend 15 hours a week for 12 weeks exploring work "in a selected career path aligned with specific collegiate or vocational courses of study," according to the Hired! Web site.

Examples of exploratory career fields include child and youth development, marketing and graphic design, food and beverage management, information technology and sports studies.

Participants also go through a series of six prerequisite classes, six training classes and must maintain a 2.0 GPA during the apprenticeship.

"The program has it mapped out for them, and we've put it into the most simple text," said Hired! program manager, Dwon Jackson Sr. "All they have to do is understand what the program is about, work hard and not procrastinate."

Jackson, who has been working with Hired! since the program started in May, said he lets teens and parents know up front the importance of putting education first.

"I make sure everyone knows when I first meet them at orientation that a GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained to stay in the program," Jackson said.

It's a requirement that only about half of the participants end up fulfilling, he added.

"I've had kids come to me maybe six weeks out and say, ‘Mr. Jackson, I'm having some problems at school,' and I let them know that their education is more important."

Education and time management also are two of the biggest challenges Jackson says most teens face, but have little concept of, until they experience Hired!

For Christopher Staffa, 16, managing time is the most difficult aspect of being an apprentice.

Meeting with parents, making phone calls and briefing prospective Hired! candidates are just a few of Staffa's responsibilities. When he's not busy fulfilling his Hired! requirements, Staffa juggles honors classes, homework and spending time with family. All this, and he still manages to have a social life.

The key, Staffa said, is learning to prioritize and finding balance.

"I make sure I get all of my (re-quired) hours early in the week," he said. "I haven't had to give up a single weekend. That's usually when I hang out with my friends."

Ivelisse Gonzalez, 18, spends her apprenticeship working with youth sports. Although Gonzalez is uncertain what she wants to do post-high school, she is leaning toward working with children in a sports environment. She said Hired! has been instrumental in helping her.

"I've never been much of a sports person, but I've always wanted to work with kids," Gonzalez said. "A lot of children are getting into sports now, so that's something for me to learn about so I can hopefully work with them."

Both apprentices are within a few weeks of completing the program, and agree it has been worth the hard work.

Anything and everything we've learned here is going to help in any working environment," Staffa said.

"It's given me better insight on what children like to do and how they interact with sports," Gonzalez added.

While each teen receives a $500 stipend upon completion of Hired!, the money is little incentive compared to the long-term benefits.

"We let them know that they are investing in their own futures, and they have me as a lifelong reference," Jackson said.

"Every day I come home, my dad tells me how this program is going to help me out and how it's funding my future," Staffa added.

Jackson said he is proud of his apprentices and hopes more teens will take advantage of the program.

"It's about empowering young people to empower themselves," Jackson said.

There will be an informational session on Dec. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. at CYSS Central Registration. All are welcome.

For more information, go to fortlewismwr.com/hired or call 967-4694.