Tradesman Helper Intern (High School)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Ridgway (Elk County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, invites high school juniors and seniors to join a paid Tradesman Helper Internship in an automotive garage setting. You will work alongside seasoned mechanics, learn hands-on repairs, maintenance, and shop procedures, and gain confidence handling tools, diagnostics, and safety practices.

This internship runs for the 2026-2027 school year. You must be at least 16, provide a letter of recommendation, a work permit, and be willing to

Qualifications

• Internship focused on learning basic automotive repairs, tool use, and safe work practices.
• Must be at least 16 years old and a junior or senior in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Letter of Recommendation from school staff is required.
• Work Permit must be submitted upon acceptance.
• Participation in Commonwealth Training Plan and Student Evaluation is required.

Responsibilities

• General Repairs: assist with vehicle maintenance including brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems.
• Routine Services: complete oil changes, tire changes, and other basic service tasks.
• Diagnostic Skills: learn to use computer diagnostics and interpret work orders.
• Tool Handling: practice safe usage, care, and storage of power, hand, and air tools.
• Shop Maintenance: keep areas clean, service equipment, and maintain a safe garage environment.

Job description

Job Details

• Salary: $17.88 Hourly
• Location: Elk County, PA
• Job Type: Internship
• Job Number: N-2026-57717
• Department: Department of Transportation
• Division: TR Elk Co
• Opening Date: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
• Job Code: U2540
• Position Number: 50312044
• Union: Non Union
• Bargaining Unit: 98
• Pay Group: XH28
• Bureau / Division Code: 00080280
• Bureau / Division: TR Elk County Maintenance Office
• Worksite Address: 32 Saint Leo Avenue
• City: Ridgway, Pennsylvania
• Zip Code: 15853
• Contact Name: Jennifer Reifer
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student with an interest 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 repairs, maintenance, and shop procedures. Here, you will build confidence by handling tools, diagnosing issues, and completing important tasks.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This internship provides basic training in automotive repair, tool use, and safe work practices inside a PennDOT garage. As a Tradesman Helper Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• General Repairs: Assist with vehicle maintenance including brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems
• Routine Services: Complete oil changes, tire changes, and other basic service tasks
• Diagnostic Skills: Learn to use computer diagnostics and interpret work orders
• Tool Handling: Practice safe usage, care, and proper storage of power, hand, and air tools
• Shop Maintenance: Clean work areas, service equipment, and support a safe garage environment
• Safety Practices: Follow all safety procedures and handle hazardous materials appropriately

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.