Welder Intern (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; East Kittanning (PA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites high school students to join as a Welder Intern in Armstrong County, PA. This paid internship offers hands-on welding, fabrication, and metal repair experience working with skilled welders on real equipment.

Applicants must be 16+, enrolled as a junior or senior in a welding program, and submit a Letter of Recommendation; work permits may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old at hire.
• Junior or senior in high school during 2026-2027.
• Must be enrolled in a welding vocational program.

Responsibilities

• Support welding of bridge members and metal components in the shop.
• Assist with repairing frames, hitches, plows, and other equipment parts.
• Create and shape repair parts and body components for various uses.
• Work with mechanics to heat, shape, and fabricate metal pieces.
• Practice welding on construction equipment to build experience.
• Handle different metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and plate materials.

Skills

Welding

Fabrication

Metalworking

Education

High school welding program

Job description

Salary: $17.88 Hourly

Location: Armstrong County, PA

Job Type: Internship

Job Number: N-2026-60745

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Armstrong Co

Opening Date: 10/15/2026

Closing Date: 10/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: U2540

Position Number: 50466594

Union: Non Union

Bargaining Unit: 98

Pay Group: XH28

Bureau / Division Code: 00081010

Bureau / Division: TR Armstrong County

Worksite Address: 504 South Water Street

City: Kittanning, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 16201

Contact Name: Alex Hyer

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student interested in a paid internship where you can further develop your welding skills? Start an exciting hands‑on journey as a Welder Intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This role allows you to learn from skilled welders while working on real equipment and structural parts. You will practice welding, fabrication, and metal repair in a supportive environment. Apply today to join a team that values craftsmanship, safety, and growth!

• Structural Welding: Support welding of bridge members and metal components in the shop
• Equipment Repair: Assist with repairing frames, hitches, plows, and other equipment parts
• Part Fabrication: Create and shape repair parts and body components for various uses
• Mechanic Support: Work with mechanics to heat, shape, and fabricate metal pieces
• Skill Development: Practice welding on construction equipment to build experience
• Metal Handling: Work with different metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and plate materials

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 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 a vo-tech (career and technical center) student in an approved welding vocational program that has provided preparation and training for the duties of this internship.
• 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.