Tradesman Helper Intern (High School)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Cyclone (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tradesman Helper Intern position with the Department of Transportation offers a hands-on start in automotive maintenance in an active garage, guided by experienced mechanics. Earn valuable work experience while building real mechanical skills.

You must be at least 16 and a junior/senior in the 2026-2027 school year; a Letter of Recommendation and Work Permit are required. Telework is not available; earnings are based on hourly pay.

Qualifications

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Letter of Recommendation from your school's co-op coordinator, guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating you meet requirements.
• Work Permit: Minors must submit their Work Permit upon acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Assist Mechanics: Help with general repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.
• Use Shop Tools: Operate hand, power, and air tools after training.
• Support Work Area: Clean and organize tools, equipment, and garage spaces.
• Follow Safety Rules: Practice safe procedures and report concerns to supervisors.
• Ask Questions: Seek guidance when uncertainties arise.
• Learn New Skills: Build mechanical knowledge through hands-on experience and instruction.

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

McKean County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-57722

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

50549275

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

0080250

Bureau / Division

TR McKean County Maintenance Office

Worksite Address

300 Bingham Road

City

Cyclone, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16726

Contact Name

Jennifer Reifer

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

The Tradesman Helper Intern position with the Department of Transportation is a great way to begin building real mechanical skills while earning valuable work experience. This internship gives you a chance to learn in an active garage where experienced mechanics guide you through hands-on tasks. You will develop confidence as you work with tools, equipment and vehicles. It is an excellent opportunity to start shaping your future in automotive maintenance.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This internship teaches you the basics of automotive repair and service in a working garage environment. It focuses on safety, learning new skills, and supporting mechanics with daily tasks. As a Tradesman Helper Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Assist Mechanics: Help with general repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks
• Use Shop Tools: Operate hand, power, and air tools once proper training is demonstrated
• Support Work Area: Clean and organize tools, equipment, and garage spaces as needed
• Follow Safety Rules: Practice safe procedures and report any concerns to supervisors
• Ask Questions: Seek guidance whenever uncertainties or unfamiliar situations arise
• Learn New Skills: Build mechanical knowledge through hands-on experience and instruction

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

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• 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.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• 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.
• 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.