Tradesman Helper Intern (High School)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Coudersport (Potter County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, is offering a Tradesman Helper Intern position in the Potter County maintenance office in Coudersport, PA. This high school internship provides hands-on learning in a fast-paced automotive garage, with guidance from skilled mechanics to develop practical repair and maintenance skills.

Applicants must be at least 16, be a junior or senior in high school for 2026-2027, and provide a school letter of recommendation.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Letter of Recommendation from school official indicating you meet requirements is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn directly from experienced mechanics in a busy automotive garage.
• Perform basic repairs on cars and light trucks.
• Use power, hand, and air tools after learning proper handling.
• Keep tools and workspace clean and organized.
• Follow safety rules while working in the garage.
• Record repair information and read work orders correctly.

Education

High school student (junior or senior)

Tools

Power, hand, and air tools

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Potter County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-57981

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Potter Co

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

50701411

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

0080260

Bureau / Division

TR Potter County Maintenance Office

Worksite Address

7 West Locust Street

City

Coudersport, Penmnsylvania

Zip Code

16915

Contact Name

Jennifer Reifer

Contact Email

[e-mail]

The Position

Are you a high school student with an interest in learning trades skills in a fast-paced automotive garage? As a Tradesman Helper Intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), you will have the chance to grow your mechanical abilities in a professional and supportive environment. You will learn directly from skilled mechanics who will guide you through real automotive tasks. This hands-on training helps you build confidence while gaining practical experience.

Description of Work

This role allows you to learn directly from experienced mechanics while working in a busy automotive garage. You will gain the skills needed to complete repairs, maintenance tasks, and safe work practices. As a Tradesman Helper Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• General Repairs: Perform basic repairs on cars and light trucks
• Tool Usage: Use power, hand, and air tools after learning proper handling
• Work Area Care: Keep tools and equipment clean and maintain an organized workspace
• Safety Practices: Follow all safety rules while working in the automotive garage
• Diagnostics: Apply computer-based tools to identify mechanical problems
• Documentation: Record repair information and read work orders correctly

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• High school internship for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Work schedule will vary based on the agreement between the high school and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (COPA) location.
• 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 able to perform essential job functions.

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.