Building and Facilities Management Intern

Description

The Facilities & Maintenance Management Internship is a structured work-based learning experience designed for a high school senior who has successfully completed the NLPS Construction Trades Pathway. This internship allows the learner to apply the technical knowledge and industry certifications earned through the pathway in a professional setting while exploring careers in facilities management and the skilled trades.

The learner will receive daily supervision and mentorship from the Director of Facilities Management, who will coordinate training experiences and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and evaluation. The intern will also work alongside experienced maintenance technicians, custodial staff, HVAC specialists, electricians, grounds personnel, and other skilled professionals who will provide hands-on instruction and demonstrate industry best practices. Training will include workplace safety, preventive maintenance procedures, building systems, troubleshooting and repair techniques, proper use of tools and equipment, work order management, and professional communication and teamwork.

The primary learning goals for the learner include:

1. Applying classroom knowledge and technical skills in real-world facilities and maintenance operations.
2. Developing proficiency in preventive maintenance and basic repair of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, carpentry, and grounds maintenance.
3. Strengthening problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
4. Practicing safe work habits and following industry and OSHA safety standards.
5. Building professional workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, reliability, time management, and customer service.
6. Gaining an understanding of facilities management, including maintenance planning, asset management, and operational efficiency across multiple school campuses.
7. Exploring long-term career opportunities in construction trades, facilities management, and related skilled professions.

Through meaningful hands-on experiences, structured mentorship, and progressive responsibility, the internship prepares the learner for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce while supporting the mission of maintaining safe and high-quality educational facilities for students and staff.

Responsibilities

The Facilities & Maintenance Management Intern will participate in a structured, hands-on learning experience that allows them to apply the skills and certifications earned through the NLPS Construction Trades Pathway while developing new technical and professional competencies. Under the supervision of the Director of Facilities Management and experienced maintenance staff, the intern will rotate through a variety of maintenance disciplines and assist with projects across multiple district facilities.

Responsibilities include:

1. Assist with preventive maintenance of school buildings, equipment, and building systems.
2. Observe and participate in diagnosing and troubleshooting maintenance issues involving HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, carpentry, and other building systems.
3. Assist skilled technicians with repairs, installations, and maintenance projects while learning industry best practices.
4. Participate in facility inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
5. Support grounds maintenance activities, including landscaping, athletic field maintenance, seasonal preparations, and exterior building upkeep.
6. Learn to safely operate hand tools, power tools, maintenance equipment, and district technology used to manage work orders and preventive maintenance schedules.
7. Assist with renovation, improvement, and special facilities projects that provide exposure to multiple construction trades.
8. Develop an understanding of facilities management by participating in project planning, inventory management, preventive maintenance scheduling, and asset management discussions.
9. Maintain accurate records of completed learning activities, reflect on new skills acquired, and participate in regular feedback sessions with supervisors to monitor progress toward learning objectives.
10. Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, communication, and safe work practices while working in active school environments.

The internship is designed to provide broad exposure to facilities management rather than assign the learner a single routine job. Administrative tasks will be limited to those directly connected to learning the facilities management process, such as documenting completed work, updating maintenance records, or reviewing work orders, and will comprise significantly less than 25% of the internship experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1. Current high school senior or recent graduate who has successfully completed the NLPS Construction Trades Pathway.
2. Demonstrated interest in facilities management, construction, building maintenance, or the skilled trades.
3. Basic understanding of construction tools, materials, and safety practices gained through coursework and hands-on experiences.
4. Willingness to learn new skills and accept coaching from supervisors and mentors.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a team.
6. Dependable attendance, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.
7. Ability to safely perform physical tasks, including lifting, climbing ladders, working indoors and outdoors, and standing or walking for extended periods.
8. Commitment to following all district safety policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Industry-recognized certifications earned through the NLPS Construction Trades Pathway (such as OSHA 10, NCCER credentials, or other pathway certifications).
2. Experience using basic hand and power tools through coursework, school projects, or supervised work experiences.
3. Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one during the internship (preferred, but not required).

No prior professional maintenance or facilities experience is required. This internship is designed to provide meaningful hands-on training, mentorship, and career exploration for students beginning their careers in the construction and facilities management fields.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the Facilities & Maintenance Management Internship, the learner will be able to:

1. Apply technical construction trade skills by assisting with preventative maintenance, repairs, and improvement projects in school facilities under the supervision of skilled maintenance professionals.
2. Demonstrate safe workplace practices by consistently following district policies, OSHA safety standards, and proper procedures for operating tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
3. Develop an understanding of building systems by gaining hands-on experience with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, carpentry, and other facility maintenance systems.
4. Strengthen problem-solving and troubleshooting skills by assisting in identifying maintenance issues, evaluating possible solutions, and implementing appropriate repairs under mentor guidance.
5. Build professional workplace competencies including communication, teamwork, dependability, time management, initiative, and customer service while working with district staff across multiple school campuses.
6. Learn the principles of facilities management by participating in preventative maintenance planning, work order management, inventory control, asset management, and facility inspections.
7. Expand technical proficiency through the safe use and maintenance of industry-standard hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and maintenance technology.
8. Connect classroom learning to career application by applying the knowledge and industry certifications earned through the NLPS Construction Trades Pathway to real-world maintenance and facilities operations.
9. Develop career readiness by receiving ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentorship from the Director of Facilities Management and experienced maintenance professionals while exploring careers in facilities management and the skilled trades.
10. Reflect on professional growth by maintaining a record of skills learned, participating in regular progress discussions with supervisors, and setting goals for continued education or employment in the construction and facilities management industries.

Contact Information