Automotive/Garage Intern (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lehighton (Carbon County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is offering an Automotive/Garage Intern position in Lehighton, PA. This paid internship provides hands-on training with skilled mechanics to perform repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.

You must be a high school junior or senior for the 2026-2027 year and be at least 16. A Letter of Recommendation and Work Permit are required to apply. No telework option is available.

Qualifications

• Be at least 16 years old at time of hire.
• Be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Submit a Letter of Recommendation from school staff.
• Submit a Work Permit upon acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general automotive repairs and maintenance as directed.
• Handle power, hand, and air tools safely after training.
• Maintain an organized workspace and clean work area.
• Assist with repairs under supervision and record repair details.

Education

High school student (Junior or Senior)

Tools

Automotive tools

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Carbon County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-59939

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Carbon Co

Opening Date

10/09/2026

Closing Date

10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

00080520

Bureau / Division

TR Carbon County

Worksite Address

930 Bridge Street

City

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18235

Contact Name

Dave Danner

Contact Phone

610.714.3265

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student interested in a paid internship where you will gain automotive mechanic skills? Begin a hands‑on learning experience as an Automotive/Garage Intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). In this role, you work directly with skilled mechanics and learn how to safely perform repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks. You will gain real shop experience while building confidence with tools and diagnostic equipment. Appy today to start your journey in a supportive environment that helps you grow your technical skills!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides training and experience in an automotive garage by assisting with repairs, maintenance, and daily shop operations. As an Automotive/Garage Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Vehicle Maintenance: Assist with general repairs, oil changes, tire work, and basic system inspections
• Tool Usage: Handle power, hand, and air tools safely after proper instruction
• Shop Care: Clean and service the work area, tools, and equipment to maintain an organized workspace
• Repair Support: Help higher level trades staff with complex repairs such as engine, brake, or suspension work
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures and learn proper handling of hazardous equipment and materials
• Documentation Tasks: Review work orders and assist with recording repair or maintenance details

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Work schedule will vary based on the agreement between high school and COPA location.
• Senior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship would be available through the 2026-2027 school year.
• Junior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship could be available through the 2026-2027 school year, summer 2027, and 2027-2028 school year.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026 - 2027 school year.

Additional Requirements:

• Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your school's co‑op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating you meet your school's requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
• By participating in this program, the student and school agree to use the Commonwealth's Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• You must be a vo‑tech (career and technical center) student in an approved vocational program that has provided preparation and training for the duties of this internship.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.