The NASA Langley Pre-Apprentice Program

Would you like to learn about how you can join the future aerospace workforce?

If you are interested, please apply for a 10-week part time fall semester pre-apprenticeship with NASA professionals in a research facility, for example: a wind tunnel, a structures laboratory, an electronics laboratory.

Areas of opportunity include acoustics and flow physics labs, electronic controls, wind tunnel testing, and structures testing. Students may apply for more than one area of interest.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a US Citizen, must be 17 years of age or older, must have a GPA of no less than 2.5, must have reliable transportation and a current driver's license. One other requirement is that you want to eventually work after graduation with your two-year degree as a full time NASA Technician..

Part time pre apprenticeships can be up to 20-30 hours per week and may extend to 12 weeks depending on available funds. Full time pre apprenticeships can be up to but not more than 40 hours per week in the summer.

An application requires the following 3 attachments: a current unofficial transcript, a current resume, and the names and contact information of two faculty references (phone and email).

Two references must be faculty that have been your instructor in 2023 or 2024.

References should not be related to the student.

If you would like to list a former employer as a third reference, you may. Please ask your references for permission to list their contact information in your application.

We will send a request to ask for their input by phone call or email.

Must have successfully completed at least 3 courses either at a Community college or as dual enrollment High School courses in any of these subjects: Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology. Note the technology portion of the subject: Students who are majoring in straight engineering with the goal of transferring to a four year degree in engineering should not apply.

As a pre apprentice, you will receive a stipend for your living and commuting expenses. The pre apprentice stipend rates vary from $14 per hour to $18 per hour and are dependent on your courses in the above mentioned disciplines . The stipend is not a wage and you would not be a NASA employee; your title would be NASA pre apprentice.

Note: Housing is not provided, but the stipend can help defer housing cost.
Students that live locally are encouraged to apply to avoid housing costs.

To apply: email your most current unofficial transcript, your current resume, name and phone numbers of two references to Liz.Ward@nasa.gov on or before 11:00 pm April 15, 2024 the deadline for summer applications.

Limited slots are available for this new program, successful applicants will be notified on or before May 20, 2024. The pre apprenticeship will begin after the student has completed the security and badging process for Langley Research Center.

For any questions about the application or the program, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Ward at liz.ward@nasa.gov