Military Aviation / Aviation internships available? (under 18)

[eenar04]

I'm looking for a military aviation or general aviation internship, something part-time online if possible. I have already emailed multiple military aviation foundations and nonprofits but so far have not gotten a response. I am good at web design, graphics design, Microsoft Excel, etc. Does anyone know of internships that are available and remote? If not remote, I'm currently living in Phoenix AZ but willing to drive if needed. Thanks!

[FLEA]

You can't really "intern" in the military. The military is apart of the armed forces and employment comes with certain legal responsibilities. Furthermore, there is security, and other issues. 

It may be possible to intern at a defense contractor but certainly not in a position of security. However, a lot of defense contracting like marketing and promotion could be unclassified as well. 

If you are interested in military aviation, I reccommend you look into Civil Air Patrol. The cadet program was distinctly designed to foster an interest in aviation and you may even get the oppurtunity to learn to fly a bit In a C-172. 

What are you career goals? Why did you suddenly decide you want to intern in the military aviation industry? Is being a pilot something you want to do? Or you aren't sure? 

Edited June 1, 2021 by FLEA

[M2]

JROTC also.

[Tonka]

Some info: https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2541547/daf-offers-1300-plus-summer-job-opportunities-to-qualified-students/

wont be "aviation" necessarily (but could be), have seen it work well for a few folks (follow on civilian jobs).  But yes, sometimes security approval may take longer then the length of internship...

Quote

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --

More than 1,300 students will get an opportunity to develop and hone their skills under the Department of the Air Force’s flagship summer-hire program.

The 2021 Summer Hire Employment Program provides students in high school, college, trade school, vocational school and other qualifying educational programs with opportunities to work in federal departments and agencies and to explore federal careers while still in school, said Tracy Wise, Civilian Recruitment and Placement branch chief.

In past years and pre-COVID-19, the program, which runs from May through September, would have upwards of 2,000 available positions. This year, the Air Force’s Personnel Center received 1,318 requests from participating stateside and overseas bases.

“In order to ensure the safety of the participants and be in compliance with public health guidance, the number of available positions was reduced,” Wise said. “We have to keep this and associated programs like the Pathways Internship program active to supply the civilian force pipeline with highly-qualified and skilled talent.”

Local civilian personnel sections will manage the recruitment process for their respective summer-hire programs for clerical, recreation aid, laborers and general engineering fields. AFPC will recruit and hire the lifeguard positions.

In addition to summer-hire opportunities, students can also apply for internships through the Pathways Internship program.

“An intern can be appointed to a position at any grade level for which he or she is qualified, which offers employment opportunities for eligible participants,” Wise said. “If an intern does well, they could be noncompetitively converted to an appointment within the Pathways Internship program such as Palace Acquire, Copper Cap and others.”

Students may be employed for appropriated funded positions in the grades of GS-1 to GS-5, as long as the job totals no more than 40 hours per week. Summer-hire students should only be on board for the duration of the summer-hire program.

Interested candidates can learn more about the available positions by searching using the word ‘summer hire’ or ‘student’ and apply following the directions shown on the announcement or public notice. For additional information on the Pathways Internship program and other civilian career opportunities in the Department of the Air Force, click here.

 

 

[jazzdude]

It depends on what your goals are.

If you want to fly for the military:

- Specifically for JROTC, you'll want to compete for a Flight Academy scholarship.
https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/AFJROTC/Flight-Academy/

- Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian Air Force Auxiliary, and has cadet programs focused on aviation (as well as scholarships available).

- Work and pay your own way through flight training.

The summer hire program is more geared towards developing people for civilian (government service) jobs within the Air Force. If that's a path you're considering, it can be a great entrance into that world. Not saying you shouldn't apply, but if flying is your goal, that time could be used to round out your application to the Air Force Academy or competing for an AFROTC scholarship with athletics or community service (or other organizations/groups where you can develop leadership traits).

[FLEA]

Lots of good advice on here. I think the biggest way we can help is if we know what your goals are. You may not need an internship right now per se, you may need a mentorship, someone who can show you the path, and discuss the challenges you'll have to overcome to get there. 

If you're under 18 you're very young, and I think it's great that you're proactive and already looking forward to see what you can do to expose yourself. Most of us were young with dreams like yours once to. Definitely take some time to browse the forum, read some threads, and try and get some idea if you think this is a field you can really see yourself in.