S is for Student Trainee
At some level, Chief Blade Ranger kind of pitied fire trucks, engines, and tenders. Being a helicopter he had grown up being told that he could be whatever he wanted to be and been shown a whole host of careers. The larger fire apparatus never had those options. From a young age they knew that they were going into public service and while they might eventually become an inspector or training vehicle, they would all start on the fire line.
Because these kids future was already set in stone, job shadowing was considered an important part of their education. It was a way for the kids to get some hands on experience and to determine what type of fire house or fire science school they wanted to apply for when they graduated from high school.
After the half the park burned down, Superintendent Jammer had worked with Pulaski to arrange for a Student Trainee program Piston Peaks National Park to help teach the young apparatuses about the importance of interface and wildland firefighting. Twelve vehicles had been selected for the program and they had been following Pulaski around the park like a flock of ducklings, much to everyone (but Pulaski of course) amusement. In fact, park's structural apparatus currently was leading a brightly colored gaggle up the air attack base's gravel road.
"They are kind of cute in an awkward sort of way." The Chief looked down on the vehicles as they nervously made their way up the mountain.
"You do know that we are going to get stuck keeping track of them for the next couple of hours so that Pulaski and Rake can get some real work done." Maru snorted into his coffee.
Blade swore…this afternoon was clearly slagged.
Term- Student Trainee- A high school or college student that is interning with the National Park Service to gain experience in a technical or field based career. These students are often assigned to shadow one, or more professionals at the park. After completion of the student trainee program and their college graduation, the student trainee is given the opportunity to sit for the civil service examination. If they do well at the exam they are given a competitive job appointment within the Park Service system.