Apprentice program

Why not earn while you learn?

NAVFAC Southwest is looking to build our future through a robust Apprentice Program that will take participants from entry level to journey level certification with no cost to the participant. The Apprentice Program is a four year commitment that incorporates a balance of both academic and on-the-job training.

Discover a civilian career with the Department of the Navy. Become a part of an organization that makes a difference every day.

Federal Benefits:

Our health insurance program offers you choice and flexibility to suit individual or family needs with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, as well as a substantial employer contribution to premiums.
We offer an outstanding three-part Retirement Program encompassing our Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan – a 401(k) type plan with employer contributions up to 5%, and Social Security benefits.
Additional benefits include paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, alternate work schedules, transportations subsidies and telework may be authorized for eligible positions.

Most of all, as a NAVFAC SW civilian employee you can serve your nation and support America’s warfighter.

If this sounds like an opportunity and benefits you are interested in, please apply!

For a list of benefits at NAVFAC Southwest, click here

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

All Candidates MUST:

Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. Citizen
Be eligible for a Security Clearance (Background check w/ fingerprints)
Possess a valid Driver's License
Complete a Physical Capacity Exam

Once accepted into the program Participants MUST:

Work a standard 40-hour week at the assigned location
Maintain academic course load prescribed in the four-year in-school program AND respective trade.
Apprentices are typically required to attend school two to three nights a week, year round. It is the Apprentice's responsibility to attend ALL courses.
Receive a minimum of 144 hours of classroom hours* of related training and 2000 hours yearly of on-the-job training (OJT)
Stay in good academic standing with the training institution.
Maintain OJT proficiencies.
Commit to work within the Department of Defense for TWO years upon program completion.

*Classroom hours will be completed at local community colleges and training facilities during non-paid, off-duty hours for the duration of the 4-year program.

HIRING PROCESS:

The Apprentice program accepts resumes once per year. When the application period is open, you will need to:

1) Write your resume to show your skills for the position to which you are applying.

Resumes should include:

Your Contact Information
The name of the company/organization where you received experience
The date ranges you were with each company/organization
Specifics on tasks you completed, tools you worked with, systems you installed/troubleshot/repaird, techniques you used, documents you used, regulations you followed -USE LANGUAGE SPECIFIC TO YOUR INDUSTRY
Specific accomplishments from the work completed (Examples: Time you saved, money you saved, things you did to increase safety, awards you earned, etc...)

For example, it is not enough to say "Expertly inspected workspaces."
A hiring manager has no frame of refernece for your past work. It is better to say, "Inspected 10 workspaces with 75 employees; identified 5 safety violations and put corrective measures in place within 10 days with zero accidents recorded."

If you have any related Certifications and Licenses you should include them with the date and location received.

2) Submit resume to the email address listed on the HOW TO APPLY section of the position you are applying for on the https://www.USAJobs.gov website.

3) Resumes will be screened by NAVFAC Southwest Hiring Managers & Interviews may be conducted.

Resume information will be carefully reviewed by trade experts to identify candidates to move on in the hiring process.
Hiring Managers will conduct an initial skills assessment (over the phone) for those identified candidates and then narrow the field down for formal interviews.
Formal interviews may include a panel of trades experts and business support personnel.

4) If selected, you will be notified by a Human Resources representative to start the hiring process (which includes scheduling your physical and background check).