(Describer) Title: I Can Be Anything I Want to Be, A to Z. The title turns and doors open to the Career Lab, where several kids work on different things. A girl turns from an algebra problem.

♪

[no audio]

Did you know there's more to math than numbers and equations? Mathematicians use formulas to explain how the universe works-- everything from tiny quantum particles to giant galaxies. EMTs and paramedics use numbers too every day to help save lives. Heart rates, blood pressure, and medicine all involve math and chemistry. Numbers are everywhere, especially if you want to be a mechanical engineer and design cool machines, like engines.

They can be the difference between success-- [snaps]

(Describer) He pulls his finger from a model engine.

Ow. And failure.

[chimes]

(Describer) On a screen...

(female announcer) Attention. Attention. The Office of the Alphabet is calling with an urgent career request. I'll have to fire up this little baby later.

(announcer) Please stand by. Time to go to work. A career for every letter.

(Describer) The three kids go to the screen, which shows a letter J.

J. Jackpot. Hmm. The letter j is a tough one. Maybe a judge? Journalist? Jeweler--someone who knows about gold and gemstones.

[chimes]

(Describer) The career appears.

Jet engine mechanic? Aren't they like a car mechanic or an engineer? They're like car mechanics, but the engines on jets are much bigger than the engines in cars. We're going to talk to Matt Laskey who works as a jet engine mechanic at GE Aviation.

(Describer) On-screen...

Hey, Lab Squad. Can you tell us about what you do in your job? As a jet engine mechanic for GE Aviation's On Wing Support team, our responsibility is to keep our customers'-- the airlines--engines running at peak efficiency, which means on-time departures and less downtime for the airlines. That'll keep them happy. Where do jet engine mechanics work? As a jet engine mechanic, you could also find work at any airport around the world. Airlines require jet engine mechanics to help ensure that their engines operate in an efficient manner and in peak performance. Do you ever change the oil on airplanes? That's not something that would typically be done. We can service the oil by adding more oil. We also have what are called magnetic chip detectors on there. A magnetic chip detector is exactly what it sounds like-- a magnet that can collect metal particles within the oil that we check frequently to make sure there isn't any metal in the oil. If we find metal, there could be wear somewhere else inside the engine. That sounds like a great way to find a problem inside the engine. What's your favorite part about working on a jet engine? The best part is it's ever-changing and it's a fast-paced environment. Today I could be working in Cincinnati, tomorrow in Dubai. You just never know. Thanks for talking to us. Thanks for giving me a chance to tell you about my job. If you choose a career in aviation, the sky's the limit.

[beeps]

Did you see how complex those engines are? They're like a maze. Like their little brother here, you learn it piece by piece. Show me. I'm going to get the word out about this career so kids can start their own engines.

(Describer) Titles: Think TV, CET, Public Media Connect, copyright 2017. Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.