Construction Internship

Description

Organization Overview:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lafayette is a nonprofit organization that helps build affordable homes for families in our community. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. With the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners, we work alongside future homeowners to make that dream a reality.

Internship Program (High School Construction Focus):
This internship is designed for high school seniors who are interested in learning the basics of construction while making a difference in their community. Interns will work on active build sites alongside Habitat staff, volunteers, and partner families. No previous construction experience is required—just a willingness to learn and work hard!

Supervision, Training, and Mentorship:
Interns will be supervised by our Construction Site Supervisor, who has years of experience working with volunteers and youth.
Interns will receive:

• A full safety orientation before starting any site work

• Hands-on training in the use of basic tools and construction techniques

• One-on-one guidance from Habitat staff and skilled volunteers

• Ongoing support and feedback to help them grow and feel confident on the build site

Learning Goals for the Intern:

• Learn how to safely use hand and power tools

• Understand basic construction tasks like framing, measuring, and working with building materials

• Build teamwork, communication, and responsibility through real-world experience

• Gain insight into how housing and construction impact families and communities

• Build pride and confidence by seeing tangible results from their work

Responsibilities

Intern Tasks and Projects
Construction interns at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lafayette will be involved in hands-on, skill-building projects that contribute directly to our homebuilding efforts. Their responsibilities are focused on learning, practicing, and assisting with basic construction work under the guidance of staff and skilled volunteers.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting with framing, siding, painting, and landscaping on active build sites

• Learning to safely use hand and basic power tools (e.g., hammer, drill, level, tape measure)

• Measuring, cutting, and organizing materials as part of construction support

• Helping with site setup and cleanup, including organizing tools and maintaining a safe workspace

• Participating in teamwork-focused tasks that require communication and cooperation with volunteers and partner families

• Attending brief tool talks and training sessions to understand construction techniques and safety practices

• Observing and assisting with volunteer coordination and site logistics to learn about managing a build day

Limited Administrative Tasks (under 25%) may include:

• Helping prepare volunteer sign-in sheets and tool checklists

• Assisting with inventory counts of tools or materials

• Occasionally helping set up for events or build day logistics (e.g., water stations, signage)

This internship is designed to be a learning experience, with hands-on projects that reflect the intern’s growing knowledge and abilities. Interns will not be asked to take on the full responsibilities of staff or skilled tradespeople but will be encouraged to develop real-world skills in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

Intern Tasks and Projects
This construction internship is designed for high school seniors who are new to the construction field and looking to gain hands-on experience in a supportive, educational setting. Interns are not expected to have prior construction or management experience—just a willingness to learn, work safely, and be part of a team.

Under the close supervision of Habitat’s Construction Site Supervisor and experienced volunteers, interns will:

• Assist with basic construction tasks such as measuring, hammering, painting, and site cleanup

• Learn how to safely use basic hand tools and materials commonly used in homebuilding

• Support framing, siding, and landscaping activities, depending on the stage of construction

• Help organize and maintain tools and materials on the job site

• Participate in daily safety briefings and tool demonstrations

• Work alongside volunteers and homeowners, gaining exposure to teamwork and community engagement on the build site