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.