High School Manufacturing Co-op Program (2026/2027)

East Penn Manufacturing Company; Idaho; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Employee assistance program

Fitness discounts

Promotional opportunities

Job summary

East Penn Manufacturing Company in Idaho offers a Manufacturing High School Co-op to provide hands-on experience in a fast-paced, safety‑driven production environment. You will learn essential manufacturing processes, machinery operation, and how to work within a team while contributing to production tasks.

This program targets enthusiastic high school students, offers mentorship from seasoned professionals, opportunities for leadership development, and pathways to future careers in

Qualifications

• Must be a current high school student enrolled in a relevant program.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in manufacturing or engineering fields.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety guidelines.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Basic understanding of math and technical concepts related to manufacturing.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical tasks as required.
• Ability to use basic hand tools
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot machinery
• Abiltiy to take and read measurements
• Basic Computer Skills (abiltiy to interact with computer screens).
• Mechanical Skills
• Reliable transportation to and from the workplace is essential.

Responsibilities

• Operates, tends, and maintains machines to make lead acid batteries.
• Reads product specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements.
• Follows sequences for operational procedures on a computer.
• Automatically or manually loads material into machine.
• Observes machine operation to detect defects or malfunctions.
• May measure work piece dimensions, thickness and weight in order to determine the accuracy of machine operation.
• May perform minor machine maintenance, including cleaning and oiling.
• May assist in setting up machine, and stacking, marking, packing, and transporting finish work pieces using an electric pallet jack, hoist or forklift.
• Relieves other operators at shift change time and breaks.
• Specific responsibilities may vary depending on job placement.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Reading measurements

Math basics

Mechanical skills

Hand tools

Troubleshooting machinery

Reading specifications

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

High school student

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Get to know East Penn!

East Penn is a stable, essential employer, that is poised for the energy needs of the future with over 75 years of sustainable lead battery and battery accessory manufacturing expertise!

At East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone. We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. Almost 40% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, annual bonus program for all, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

Our hiring process may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help in the initial review of applications by identifying candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements. These tools do not make hiring decisions. All final hiring decisions regarding interviews and employment are made by our employee recruiting and hiring teams.

East Penn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EOE/VEVRAA

Overview

Join our dynamic team as a Manufacturing High School Co-op, where you will gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced and innovative manufacturing environment.

This program is designed to provide high school students with practical skills and insights into the world of manufacturing, allowing you to explore a potential career path in this vital industry.

Throughout your co‑op experience, you will work alongside seasoned professionals who are committed to mentoring and guiding you.

You will learn about essential manufacturing processes, the importance of safety standards, and the intricacies of machinery operation.

Our co‑op program emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, providing an excellent opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills.

You will actively contribute to production tasks while gaining valuable insights into problem‑solving and critical thinking within the workplace.

We are looking for enthusiastic students who are ready to commit to learning and growing in a real‑world setting.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to kickstart your career and develop a solid foundation in manufacturing principles.

Join us, and embark on a journey that bridges your academic knowledge with practical experience, preparing you for future success in your chosen field.

Competitive starting wages

Part‑ time production opportunities available on 1st shift (4 or 8 hour shifts)

Ask about our tuition reimbursement & scholarship programs

Responsibilities

• Operates, tends, and maintains machines to make lead acid batteries.
• Reads product specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements.
• Follows sequences for operational procedures on a computer.
• Automatically or manually loads material into machine.
• Observes machine operation to detect defects or malfunctions.
• May measure work piece dimensions, thickness and weight in order to determine the accuracy of machine operation.
• May perform minor machine maintenance, including cleaning and oiling.
• May assist in setting up machine, and stacking, marking, packing, and transporting finish work pieces using an electric pallet jack, hoist or forklift.
• Relieves other operators at shift change time and breaks.
• *Specific responsibilities may vary depending on job placement.

Qualifications

• Must be a current high school student enrolled in a relevant program.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in manufacturing or engineering fields.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety guidelines.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Basic understanding of math and technical concepts related to manufacturing.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical tasks as required.
• Ability to use basic hand tools
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot machinery
• Abiltiy to take and read measurements
• Basic Computer Skills (abiltiy to interact with computer screens).
• Mechanical Skills
• Reliable transportation to and from the workplace is essential.

East Penn Benefits

If offered a full‑time position, below are a list of the excellent benefits that East Penn offers to our employees:

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• 9 paid company holidays, 2 paid personal holidays, and 10 paid vacation days annually
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities