Program Description
As an extension of the VetTech internship program, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is furthering its commitment to U.S. military veterans through a new workforce development program known as VALOR, or Veteran Applied Laboratory Occupational Retraining. The VALOR program aims to provide Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) high school cadets and veterans starting their civilian careers valuable hands-on training experiences and full-time technical career placement and security at Fermilab.
VALOR Apprenticeship – Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
The VALOR Apprenticeship is a highly competitive, paid, six-month fall/spring training and career exploration program for military veterans at the beginning of their civilian careers and recent Illinois JROTC high school graduates. During the program, participants build and enhance their technical, computing, or business proficiencies. Assuming apprentice-level expertise, general military experience and/or knowledge based on academic study, the opportunity offers a wide range of placement options. The apprenticeship may allow the participant to fabricate, assemble, calibrate, operate, test, repair or modify electronic or mechanical equipment, systems, devices, or databases. Exposures may also include experiences with information technology, procurement, or environmental, safety and health.
VALOR JROTC – Summer 2024
The VALOR JROTC Program is a highly competitive, paid, six-week summer internship opportunity for Illinois JROTC high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. Interns provide routine technical support for area of assignment; typically, an experiment or support group. Tasks are accomplished under direct supervision of a Fermilab employee and in cooperation with project teams, scientists, engineers, and support personnel and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Key Dates
VALOR Apprenticeship:
Fall Application Period: March 20, 2023 – May 28, 2023
Fall Program Dates: August 7, 2023 – February 2, 2024
Spring Program Dates: TBD
VALOR JROTC:
Summer Application Period: November 13, 2023 – January 15, 2024
Summer Program Dates: June 17, 2024 – July 26, 2024
The Application is Open
To be considered for the internship you must upload all Requirements under the Internship Documentation section before you submit the application.
Apply
Contact Information
Eligibility
- Enrollment in an Illinois high school JROTC program
- Illinois high school junior, senior, or recent high school graduate at time of application
- Eligible to work in the United States
Application Procedure
Before you apply, please have all your requirements ready. Once you submit the application you will no longer have access and will not be able to upload any missing requirements.
- Online application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
- Unofficial transcript
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation (Due date is application close date).
- (Once you submit your application you will receive an email request to provide reference contact information. Once you provide the info we will email a link to your reference to upload the letter of recommendation)
- Essay – Essay Guideline: Short answer questions: Please write short (< 200-word) responses to the following questions:
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- What do you hope to get out of this internship experience?
- How has participating in JROTC prepared you for this unique opportunity?
- What key skills do you possess that can add value to a team?
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Apprenticeship Details
- Application Period: November 13, 2023 – January 15, 2024
- Offer Date: March 14, 2024
- Acceptance Date: March 21, 2024
- Program Dates: June 17, 2024 -July 26, 2024 (5 days /40 hours per week)
- Salary: $17.20 per hour
- Housing: No local/onsite housing available
Deliverables
- Oral presentation
- Exit survey
Eligibility
- Military Veteran / JROTC High School Graduate
- Proof of identity and eligible to work in the United States
Application Procedure
Before you apply, please have all your requirements ready. Once you submit the application you will no longer have access and will not be able to upload any missing requirements.
- Online application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
- Resume
- Discharge Papers
Apprenticeship Details
- Application Period: March 20, 2023 – May 28, 2023
- Acceptance Date: June 30, 2023
- Program Dates Fall: August 7, 2023 – February 2, 2024 (5 days /40 hours per week)
- Salary: $20.00 per hour
- Travel: Not provided or arranged by program.
- Housing: Not provided or arranged by program.
Deliverables
- Oral presentation
- Exit survey