News

In-house training provides return on investment with wing facility upgrades

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tanya King
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  When it comes to working with electricity most people hire a professional. But when a few buildings in the 446th Airlift Wing here needed some electrical work done, wing leadership didn't have to look far to find the right person for the job.

After doing a cost estimate for the work needed, using a Reservist with the unit was going to prove less expensive and would take less time to complete than hiring a contractor to do the job.

"The 446th Civil Engineer Squadron is able to reduce costs by providing manpower at a much lower rate than a contractor and we can be more flexible," said Master Sgt. Dwayne Lee, 446th CES NCO in charge of the electric shop. "A contractor requires notice and more money to complete additional projects outside the original contract; our squadron does not have this limitation."

Lee, who performed the work for the wing, has been a journeyman electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 76 for the past seven years.

"The training I have received as a civilian was a 5-year state certified electrician apprenticeship program," said the Rochester, Wash. resident. "It improved my understanding of the fundamentals of the electrician's trade and ensures my continuing understanding of National Electric Codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Air Force Safety and Health Administration regulations which I have been able to apply to the projects I have undertaken for the wing."

"Having [Lee's] years of applied experience, professionalism and know-how helped the wing to reduce safety hazards and enabled us to comply with standards," said Lt. Col. Kevin Welin, 446th AW chief of Safety. "His willingness to step up to the challenge exemplifies what it means to be a Reservist: we are trained and ready for any task, any time."

While Lee's years of experience and complimentary military and civilian jobs proved to be a boon for the wing, another benefit came from the opportunity for him to train and mentor Senior Airman Ron Krotzer, a 446th CES electrician apprentice.

"The Airman I'm training is not currently an electrician in civilian life," Lee said. "These projects have afforded me ample chances to advance the training he went through at Sheppard Air Force Base (Texas) in a real world environment. In my opinion the best way to ensure the future of the civil engineer electric shop is by teaching hands on training."

The 446th CES members are required to stay proficient at their jobs and maintain certain skill sets for mobility purposes, Welin said. Doing work for the wing promotes this readiness and eliminates the need to send new electricians to other bases to obtain the critical on-the-job training they need to become fully qualified.

Keeping the less experienced Reservists here not only saves money in travel costs, but it saves money by eliminating the need to pay someone to do the work.

"The greatest benefit of this is that I am able to train my new airman one on one and be a mentor," Lee said. "We are also building a much closer relationship between CE and the other squadrons in the wing by showing them the improvements we can implement. I'm grateful for all the assistance and support I have received from leadership at the wing and the CE squadron and the various squadrons that have been providing this excellent opportunity to train my airmen."

"Now that the conduit is open, we are looking to expand the program to do more maintenance for the wing," Welin said. "It's a win-win situation for everyone. The Air Force Reserve Command, wing, 446th CES and taxpayers all benefit."