Welder Intern - Mercer County (High School)

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Mercer County invites high school juniors and seniors to apply for a paid welding internship beginning in 2026. You will assist a skilled welder, work on bridges and equipment fabrication, and gain hands-on experience under supervision. Schedule varies by school term; 28 hours/week during school and 37.5–40 hours/week during breaks.

No telework. Applicants must be 16+, in a welding program, and provide a school recommendation.

Qualifications

• You must be 16 years of age by first day of employment.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support a skilled welder by engaging in various trade tasks, including repairing parts and welding structural components of bridges.
• Fix equipment frames, hitches, and plows and fabricate repair and body parts for different uses.
• Under close supervision, operate equipment such as Arch Welder, Mig Welder, acetylene torches, hand grinders, cut-off saws, and band saws.
• Adhere to safety standards and guidelines while completing duties.

Education

High school student (2026-2027)

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Mercer County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-47683

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Mercer Co

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

50244297

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

00080140

Bureau / Division

TR Mercer County

Worksite Address

215 North Maple Street

City

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16137

Contact Name

Amber Bell

Contact Phone

724.269.1070

Contact Email

[e-mail]

The Position

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF N-2026-47863 WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM APRIL 17, 2026 TO MAY 16, 2026. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

Are you a high school student eager to dive into the world of welding? If you are seeking a paid internship that offers hands‑on experience and paves the way for a successful career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this opportunity is just for you! By joining our team, you will enhance your welding skills while working on real projects, gaining valuable industry insights, and learning from seasoned professionals. This paid internship is tailored to provide you with the practical knowledge and expertise necessary to thrive in the welding field, making it a fantastic launchpad for your future. Do not let this chance to boost your skills and jumpstart your career pass you by!

Description of Work

In this position, you will support a skilled welder by engaging in various trade tasks, which include repairing parts and welding structural components of bridges, as well as fixing equipment frames, hitches, and plows. You will also be involved in fabricating repair and body parts for different uses. Under close supervision, you will operate several types of equipment, such as an Arch Welder, Mig Welder, acetylene torches, hand grinders, cut‑off saws, and band saws. It is crucial to ask questions and adhere to safety standards and guidelines while completing all assigned duties.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Work schedule will vary based on agreement between high school and COPA location.
• Work hours will be 28 hours per week during school term and 37.5/40 hours per week during school vacation/breaks.
• Work may begin on July 1, 2026 for students age 16+, provided their participating school offers supervision.
• For all others, the start date will be August/September 2026.
• 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 16 years of age by first day of employment.
• 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:

• You must pass a background investigation.

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.