Welder Intern (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lehighton (Carbon County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation seeks a Welder Intern in Lehighton, PA. This paid internship offers hands-on welding and automotive garage experience.

As a Welder Intern, you will learn welding techniques, assist with repairs on cars and light trucks, handle tools, and help document maintenance tasks under supervision. The program is open to high school students for the 2026-2027 year, with safety training provided.

Qualifications

• High school student must be enrolled for 2026-2027 school year.
• Must be at least 16 years old at time of hire.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic welding tasks under supervision.
• Help with general repairs on cars and light trucks.
• Use power, hand, and air tools after training.
• Keep shop area clean and organized.
• Follow safety rules when using tools and materials.
• Review work orders and document repairs and maintenance tasks.

Skills

Welding

Automotive repair

Safety procedures

Education

High School student

Tools

Power tools

Air tools

Job description

Salary: $17.88 Hourly

Location: Carbon County, PA

Job Type: Internship

Job Number: N-2026-59940

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Carbon Co

Opening Date: 10/09/2026

Closing Date: 10/23/2026 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: 00080520

Bureau / Division: TR Carbon County

Worksite Address: 930 Bridge Street

City: Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 18235

Contact Name: Dave Danner

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student interested in a paid internship where you will gain welding and automotive garage skills? Begin a hands-on learning experience as a Welder Intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). In this role, you will learn safe and effective welding and repair skills directly from experienced mechanics. You will gain confidence using tools and equipment while supporting repairs on cars and light trucks. Join a workplace that helps you grow your abilities and prepares you for future opportunities!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides hands-on welding and repair experience while supporting daily operations in an automotive garage. As a Welder Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Welding Work: Assist with basic welding tasks and practice proper techniques under supervision
• Repair Support: Help with general repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks
• Tool Handling: Use power, hand, and air tools safely after training is provided
• Shop Maintenance: Clean and service the work area, tools, and equipment to keep the shop organized
• Safety Procedures: Learn and follow safety rules for working with tools, materials, and hazardous equipment
• Documentation Skills: Review work orders and assist with documenting repairs and maintenance tasks

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Work schedule will vary based on the agreement between high school and COPA location.
• Senior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship would be available through the 2026-2027 school year.
• Junior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship could be available through the 2026-2027 school year, summer 2027, and 2027-2028 school year.
• 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.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

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.