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News | May 26, 2020

FRCSW Apprenticeship Program Offers Artisan Career Path

By Jim Markle

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VIRIN: 200526-N-XZ252-0067

To replenish its journeyman-level workforce, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) relies upon its apprenticeship training program.

One resource is the Southwest Regional Apprentice Program (SWRAP). The San Diego-based initiative formed in 2010 in conjunction with Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Calif.

SWRAP is a four-year training program that combines college-level coursework augmented by on-the-job training in a skilled trade. By the end of the third year, apprentices earn an associates degree. The program concludes with journey-level certification by the Navy and Department of Labor.

Applicants must submit a resume, pass a basic education test and complete an interview.

The apprentice school is located at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island. Training occurs at NAS North Island, Naval Base Point Loma and Naval Base San Diego.

Trades available through SWRAP include machinists, welders, marine machinery mechanics, riggers, pipefitters, electricians and electrician mechanics.

Program graduates enter the work force at the Wage Grade 10 (WG) level.

In January, FRCSW welcomed five SWRAP graduates to the command (Joshua Leon, Frank Ree, Victor Andrade, Sebastian Magallon, and Francisco Higuera-Gomez) who are now journeyman machinists.

In addition to FRCSW, local SWRAP participants include Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Detachment at Naval Base Pt. Loma and Southwest Regional Maintenance Center at Naval Base San Diego.

More information on FRCSW apprenticeship positions and application procedures may be found at USAJOBS.gov.

Nov. 10, 2023

Honor Flight San Diego’s Tribute to American Veterans

Veterans Day not only offers a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices of service members, but also serves as a poignant reminder of the price of liberty and the importance of acknowledging those who have borne its cost. This day reinforces the timeless truth: freedom is never free, and gratitude towards its guardians is eternally owed. Building on this spirit of reverence, organizations like Honor Flight San Diego (HFSD) work tirelessly to show tangible appreciation to these heroes.

Sept. 5, 2023

FRCSW STEM in Action

When Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) STEM ambassadors visit local communities, their goal is to utilize the STEM outreach program to inspire and create valuable opportunities to learn for both students and educators. The program also tries to empower both the students and FRCSW employees by fostering meaningful connections between Naval STEM efforts and the upcoming generation.

July 20, 2023

FRCSW Engineer Receives Assistant Secretary of Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists & Engineers of the Year Award

FRCSW Engineer Receives Assistant Secretary of Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists & Engineers of the Year Award

May 15, 2023

FRCSW Comptroller Receives Department of the Navy and Secretary of Defense Financial Management Awards

FRCSW Comptroller Receives Department of the Navy and Secretary of Defense Financial Management Awards

April 27, 2023

FRCSW E-2D Team Wins NAVAIR Commander’s Award

FRCSW E-2D Team Wins NAVAIR Commander’s Award

April 18, 2023

FRCSW Sailors Named 2023 Sailor of the Year

FRCSW Sailors Named 2023 Sailor of the Year

April 6, 2023

FRCSW Ally Support Strengthens Royal Australian Air Force

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) successfully completed a first of its kind reconfiguration of a U.S. Navy EA-6B Growler for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

March 31, 2023

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest - Eliminating Waste and Improving Efficiency

For over 100 years, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) has provided the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps with the highest quality products and services in the most efficient manner possible. One of the state of the art management systems that makes this possible is the “Lean” process which focuses its attention on eliminating waste and error. FRCSW began the command’s most recent “Lean” process by integrating pre-expendable bins (PEB). Lieutenant Commander Jeffrey Legg, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Industrial Supply Officer, in collaboration with the other PEB managers, played a pivotal role in the improvement of PEB inventory.

Sept. 26, 2022

FRCSW Navy’s Sole Maintainer of Rotodome Radar

A primary tool of the Hawkeye’s defensive posture is the rotodome radar system, maintained by Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW).

Sept. 19, 2022

FRCSW Paraloft Shop Oversees Flight Line Gear

The shop is manned by four Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) sailors who track, update, inspect and test a variety of the aircrew’s equipment including life preservers, water bottles, radios, and medical kits.