Welding & Maintenance Apprentice Intern

Description

Eastern Greene Schools is offering a paid Welding & Maintenance Apprentice Internship through a partnership with Work + Learn Indiana and the EARN program. This career-connected opportunity is designed for students interested in welding, vehicle maintenance, equipment repair, and the fast-paced operations of a school district’s transportation department.

Interns will receive direct supervision and mentorship from experienced transportation staff and will participate in meaningful, real-world tasks that contribute to the functioning of school operations. Interns will learn how transportation services support the educational mission of the district while applying their skills in welding, diagnostics, and repair in a fast-paced, hands-on setting.

Supervision, Training, and Mentorship:

• Interns will be supervised by a designated transportation or maintenance professional.

• Training will include safety procedures, diagnostics, tool handling, and welding techniques.

• Interns will shadow team members and eventually work independently on assigned projects.

• Mentorship will focus on time management, critical thinking, and real-world trade application.

Intern Learning Goals:

1. Understand the role of the transportation department in school district operations.

2. Apply welding and repair skills in real-life scenarios involving vehicles and district equipment.

3. Build problem-solving skills, especially under time constraints and urgent maintenance needs.

4. Learn safety protocols for working with tools, heavy equipment, and moving vehicles.

5. Develop confidence and independence in diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues.

Responsibilities

Interns will engage in practical, hands-on tasks that support the transportation and maintenance departments. Their work will focus on technical application and problem-solving, not administrative duties.

Primary Responsibilities & Projects:

• Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

  • Assist with routine inspections and servicing of school buses and district vehicles.

  • Perform basic mechanical repairs, including oil changes, filter replacements, and tire checks.

  • Learn and apply diagnostic techniques for engine and system issues.

• Welding & Fabrication

  • Practice basic welding on district equipment or tools needing repair.

  • Assist with the fabrication of parts or fixtures to support maintenance needs.

  • Follow safety standards and proper handling of welding tools and materials.

• Support Services for the Transportation Department

  • Help organize tools, parts, and maintenance logs.

  • Assist with vehicle prep before routes and with end-of-day procedures.

  • Respond quickly to vehicle breakdowns or repair needs under pressure.

• Problem Solving & Fast-Paced Work

  • Think critically and resolve issues quickly when repairs are needed under time constraints.

  • Learn to work efficiently during peak service hours.

  • Demonstrate initiative and respond to tasks without constant direction.

Administrative Work (Less than 25%)

• Logging basic repair information and service notes.

• Helping track inventory of parts and tools.

• Assisting with scheduling service checks (under staff guidance).

Qualifications

This internship is ideal for students who are curious, mechanically inclined, and eager to gain hands-on experience. No formal experience is required.

Ideal Candidates Will:
✅ Be self-motivated and take initiative.
✅ Be comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
✅ Enjoy solving problems and thinking on their feet.
✅ Follow safety protocols and understand the importance of attention to detail.
✅ Be able to follow multi-step instructions and listen actively.
✅ Be comfortable with physical labor and working in garage or outdoor environments.
✅ Be enrolled in high school or a career/technical program with interest in automotive, welding, or construction trades.
✅ Be at least 16 years old.