Welder Intern (High School)

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

Job summary

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers a paid Welder Intern internship in Armstrong County, PA. This hands-on program teaches welding, fabrication, and metal repair on real equipment and structural parts under skilled welders.

You will learn various welding techniques, support mechanics, and practice safe metalworking in a supportive shop environment. The internship is open to high school students for the 2026-2027 year, with expectations for safety, craftsmanship, and growth.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• Junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Letter of Recommendation from school professional indicating eligibility for this opportunity.
• Work Permit required for minors prior to acceptance.
• Must be enrolled in a vo-tech welding vocational program and able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Learn welding techniques and practice welding on structural components and equipment.
• Support mechanics by repairing frames, hitches, plows and other parts.
• Fabricate repair parts and body components as needed for equipment.

Skills

Welding

Job description

$17.88 Hourly

Armstrong County, PA

Internship

N-2026-60745

Department of Transportation

TR Armstrong Co

10/15/2026

10/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

U2540

50466594

Non Union

98

XH28

00081010

TR Armstrong County

504 South Water Street

Kittanning, Pennsylvania

16201

Alex Hyer

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!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides hands-on training in welding, fabrication, and equipment repair for transportation operations. Your work will focus on learning various welding techniques, supporting mechanics, and practicing safe and effective metalworking. As a Welder Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• 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.