Careers
WAPA IS HIRING
Get paid to learn, then get hired without reapplying.
The Pathways Program is the federal government’s door for students and recent graduates. At WAPA it means a paid position while you are in school, real work on a real system, and a conversion to a permanent job when you finish. Craft has its own version, the pre-apprentice.
Three ways in
Internship (still in school)
For students in high school, trade school, college, or graduate school, at least half time. Paid, with a schedule that fits classes. Interns who finish 640 hours can convert to a permanent job within 120 days of graduating.
Recent Graduates
For people within two years of a degree or certificate (six years for veterans who could not apply sooner because of service). A one-year development program with a mentor, training, and conversion to a permanent job at the end.
Pre-apprentice (craft)
A Pathways student trainee position on a line, substation, or communications crew. Paid, with a first look at the trade and a path into the four-year apprenticeship.
Where interns work at WAPA
Internships open when a program has the work and the mentor to support one. These are the areas that hire students most often.
Engineering
Substation and line design, system planning, and field engineering. Electrical and civil engineering students, and engineering technology.
IT and cybersecurity
Network, systems, and cyber. Computer science, information systems, and cybersecurity programs.
Business and contracting
Contract specialists and accountants start here. Business, accounting, finance, and supply chain.
Power marketing and customer service
Public utilities specialists and energy schedulers. Business, economics, and environmental policy.
What you need
U.S. citizenship. Enrolled at least half time in an accredited school (for internships), or a degree within the last two years (for Recent Graduates). A transcript uploaded with your application.
How it is posted
Pathways jobs are posted on USAJOBS like any other, with a title starting “Student Trainee” or “Recent Graduate.” Set an alert for those two phrases plus Western Area Power Administration.
What happens after
Conversion is not automatic, but it is the point. You have to finish the program, meet performance standards, and have a permanent position available. Most people who finish are converted. Interns and graduates in the top of their class get first priority for student loan repayment.
Questions students ask
Can I intern remotely?
Most WAPA internships are at a duty station, because the work is hands-on. Ask about the specific position.
Is there housing help?
Not typically for internships. Some duty stations are small towns where housing is limited, so plan early. Relocation is sometimes offered for Recent Graduate positions.
Do I need a specific major?
For engineering, yes, and for most other areas the announcement lists acceptable fields. Trade school counts for pre-apprentice positions.
I graduated more than two years ago.
You are past the Recent Graduates window, but every other WAPA job is open to you. Entry-level GS-5 and GS-7 positions are where new graduates usually start.
Questions about a job or the application process?
Email pmasscrecruit@wapa.gov.
A real person in Human Resources reads it.
Last modified on October 22nd, 2026