The Naval Energetics Technology Apprenticeship Program (NETAP) offers rising high school juniors and seniors a paid, immersive 3-week internship that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world engineering skills. Students work directly with ETC staff and expert scientists and engineers from NSWC Indian Head Division to design, build, and optimize a remote-controlled underwater vehicle (ROUV) based on the SeaPerch platform.

Participants gain practical experience in:

• Using power tools and fabricating components
• Soldering circuits and integrating electronics
• Programming in Python for autonomous and remote-control functions
• Iterative design, testing, and troubleshooting in a competitive environment

The program culminates in a head-to-head underwater challenge where teams compete for best overall design and fastest completion time. Throughout the experience, students interact with Navy professionals, learn about current NSWC programs and technologies, and explore future career pathways in naval engineering, energetics, robotics, and national defense.

NETAP exemplifies ETC’s commitment to creating sustainable STEM pipelines that connect talented students—especially those from military and underserved communities—to meaningful opportunities in science, technology, and defense-related careers.

For more information, email netap@etcmd.com.