01/28/2026
Fleet Readiness Center East’s High School Summer Hire Program is ready for this year’s motivated applicants.
Fleet Readiness Center East is looking for motivated students (rising juniors and rising seniors) who are interested in a PAID summer work experience position supporting aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul of military aircraft. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about aviation maintenance, logistics, and depot operations while gaining mentorship and networking opportunities for future career aspirations with the federal government.
The High School Summer Hire Program (separate from the Engineering Pathways Internship Program) offers unique opportunities to train and network with aviation maintenance and support professionals while earning a competitive wage.
Please find below the program overview that covers the basic guidelines, as well as the application process.
Program Overview:
Position Information: Student Trainee
Position Information: Onboard Date: June 15, 2026 – Not to Exceed August 8, 2026
• Applicants must be rising juniors or rising seniors at least 16 years of age by June 15, 2026.
• Available Locations: (Based upon geographical location of individual school or institute)
*Applicants must indicate desired location in cover letter.
*Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Havelock, NC
*Marine Corps Air Station New River Jacksonville, NC.
*Global Trans Park Kinston, NC
• Selected individuals will be placed in various trainee level positions supporting departmental initiatives such as: Aircraft Maintenance, Planning & Logistics, Facilities & Infrastructure, and Business Administration.
• Selection for this program has the potential to lead to permanent employment opportunities through USAJobs.gov federal website announcements, direct hire authority, and college pathways to apprenticeship programs. Applicants should have a desire to work at FRC East long-term (as a career), as well as the desire to work in a hands-on, skilled trades maintenance, or office environment.
• Work schedule: Monday-Thursday, 7:00am – 3:30pm.
• Part Time, 32 hours per week.
• Pay Grade: WG-2 ($16.25+ per hour) *Subject to increase per annual pay table adjustment*
• Working conditions will include industrial, office, or laboratory environments.
• Applicants should be highly motivated.
• Applicants must have transportation to and from their worksite. (Base access will be granted)
• All safety and personal protective equipment, i.e., safety shoes, safety glasses, earplugs shall be provided to the student at no cost to the school or student.
• Applicants must be a US Citizen.
• Applicants should have non-weighted GPA 2.0 or higher.
• Applicants 18 years or older (at the time of application or who will turn 18 during the summer employment may be subject to security background check, drug testing, and physical.
Application Package:
Interested applicants must submit a complete application package that includes the following documents. (Incomplete application packages will not be accepted.)
1. Student Resume (Relevant experience) Job experience, academic experience, CTE Courses, hobby experience working on automotive (cars), marine craft (boats), fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, welding, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, administrative, accounting, logistics, etc.
2. Cover letter (Short essay): Possible topics to cover: Future career aspirations, relevant courses taken, relevant work/volunteer experience, why are you interested in this opportunity.
3. Letter of recommendation from at least one educator/mentor/prominent community member. Purpose of letter: Speaks to student’s good attendance, punctuality, dedication, character, etc.
4. Current Unweighted GPA, verified by current school official via school letterhead document. (Transcript not required)
Completed application packages should be submitted by a school counselor/teacher, via email no later than close of business Friday, February 27, 2026. (Home school application submissions welcome)
Submit to: usn.cherrypoint.frceast.mbx.frceast-student-application@us.navy.mil
*Send files as attachments (PDF) No web-based applications, i.e., Google Docs will be accepted due to federal security compatibility limitations*
Questions?
Please contact:
Joe Charboneau
Fleet Readiness East, MCAS Cherry Point NC
Human Capital Division
Recruiting/DOD SkillBridge/Pathways/Apprenticeship/High School Program
Office: (252) 464-9992
Mobile: (252) 342-4059
Email: [email protected]
Christopher Clower
Fleet Readiness Center East
Human Capital Division
Recruiting/DOD SkillBridge/Pathways/Apprenticeship/High School Program
Career Development
Phone (252) 464-5865
DSN: 451-5865
Email: [email protected]
