The Southwest Regional Apprenticeship Program (SWRAP) at Southwestern College in San Diego, California, is a four-year paid Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship in skilled trades including machinist, welder, marine machinery mechanic, rigger, pipefitter, electrician, and electronics mechanic. Apprentices are hired into Federal Civil Service positions maintaining and repairing Naval ships, combining on-the-job training, college classes toward an Associate’s degree in Business Management and Project Management Certificate. Veterans receive preferential consideration with VA Disability Letter, DD-214, and SF-15; GI Bill benefits supplement income with VA coordinator support. Applications for the 2025 cohort are submitted via USAJOBS. Find Southwest Regional Apprenticeship Program and thousands of other veteran resources at VeteransDirectory.com.