Q. How do I apply for the Gateways Internship Program?
You need to complete the Gateways Student Internship Request Form (SIRF) and submit it to the Business and Job Resources Division along with a copy of your resume; the Gateways SIRF can be found on our website under the Gateways Volunteer Internship Program section. The Gateways SIRF can be submitted in person (6053 W. Century Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90045), faxed (424.646.9257), or e-mailed (alavalais@lawa.org).
Q. What are the requirements in order to become an intern at LAWA?
Candidates must be full-time college students, taking 12 units or more per semester, with a minimum GPA of 2.70. Students must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours per week, two days a week, and must be fingerprinted and approved by our badge office.
Q. What are the next steps after applying for the internship program?
Students are placed into intern positions as they become available. It is a competitive process; therefore all students must interview in order to be selected for a position.
Q. How long is the internship?
Students may remain in the program for one year or when they complete their 1040 hours as long as they continue to meet all GIP requirements.Students may reapply for the GIP once they resign.
Q. Do I get credit for school?
Yes, your school needs to provide all the necessary forms to Gateways Internship Coordinator in order to receive school credit.
Q How many hours can I work per week?
You can work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and 32 hours a week during winter, spring and summer breaks.
Q. What is the difference between a Student Professional Worker (SPW) I and SPW II?
SPW I are freshman and sophomores in college and SPW II are juniors, seniors, and graduate students with 56 units and more.
Q What is the hourly pay for SPW I and SPW II?
SPW I's hourly pay is $14.56 and SPW II's hourly pay is $16.02.
Q Is my work schedule flexible with my school schedule?
Yes, every effort is made by LAWA staff to schedule working hours around each student’s class schedule.
Q. What majors qualify me to participate in the Gateways Internship Program?
There are no particular majors that qualify you for the program, however some divisions at the airport may require students with certain majors.
Q. As an intern am I entitled to benefits?
Interns do not qualify for benefits. However, after working 6 consecutive months and at least 500 compensated hours, interns can accrue up to 48 hours of compensated personal time off (CPTO) which can be used as paid vacation or sick time.
Q. What happens if I drop a class while I am an intern, and no longer meet the 12 units requirement of a full time student?
All interns are required to contact the program administrator immediately and submit a letter stating the reason why a class or classes were dropped. Consideration is given on a case-by-case basis whether or not a student may continue in the internship program.
Q. How long can I continue my internship after graduating?
The Gateways Internship Coordinator may grant up to a 3 month transitional period, for graduating interns, with a supervisor's recommendation and the Internship Coordinator's approval.
Q. Once my term is completed with the internship program are there any opportunities to be hired full-time or part-time?
If a resigning intern will continue to be a fill-time student and continues to meet all GIP requirements, they can re-apply for the GIP after resignation.
There are other full-time and part-time employment opportunities within LAX and around the LA area, that the Business & Job Resources Division staff can assist you with. We recommend that all graduating seniors begin looking for employment about 6 months prior to graduation.
