Tradesman Helper Intern (High School)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Lawrence Township (PA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is offering a paid Tradesman Helper Internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at the TR Clearfield County Maintenance Office. The internship is designed for high school students who want hands-on automotive experience and a pathway to a technical career.

The role involves learning essential maintenance skills, assisting mechanics, and performing tasks under supervision.

Qualifications

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a high school junior or senior during the 2026 - 2027 school year.
• 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.
• Learn proper handling, usage, and storage of power, hand, and air tools.
• Follow safety rules and learn procedures for hazardous materials.
• Help with tire changes, brake work, exhaust inspections, and suspension repairs.
• Read work orders and document repairs accurately.
• Use computer diagnostic equipment to understand vehicle issues.

Education

High school student (HS junior/senior)

Job description

Salary: $17.88 Hourly

Location: Clearfield County, PA

Job Type: Internship

Job Number: N-2026-56574

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Clearfield Co

Opening Date: 08/19/2026

Closing Date: 9/2/2026 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: 080220

Bureau / Division: TR Clearfield County Maintenance Office

Worksite Address: 1905 Washington Avenue

City: Hyde, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 16843

Contact Name: Jennifer Reifer

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student interested in learning hands-on skills in a professional automotive garage? Would you like to secure a paid internship that provides experience and a strong start to a career with the Commonwealth? This Tradesman Helper Internship opportunity with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) gives you the chance to work alongside experienced mechanics who will guide you through real repair tasks. You will build confidence by practicing safe and effective techniques in maintaining cars and light trucks. Apply today to join a team that supports your growth and helps you develop valuable technical abilities!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Through this internship opportunity, you will learn essential automotive maintenance skills which will allow you to properly assist mechanics, practice safe work habits, and learn various repair procedures. You will support daily garage operations while gaining experience with tools, diagnostics, and basic vehicle service tasks. As a Tradesman Helper Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Vehicle Service: Assist with general repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks
• Tool Usage: Learn proper handling, usage, and storage of power, hand, and air tools
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, ask questions, and learn procedures for hazardous materials
• Repair Tasks: Help with tire changes, brake work, exhaust inspections, and suspension repairs
• Work Documentation: Read work orders and document repairs accurately
• Diagnostics Training: Use computer diagnostic equipment to understand vehicle issues

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 high school junior or senior 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. Letter of Recommendation must be on letterhead.
• 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.