High School Intern Program
In partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS), the City of Akron provides paid internship opportunities to APS students during their senior year of High School. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an APS career pathway such as Construction, Automotive, Masonry, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC), or Project Lead the Way Engineering. The available internships focus on Industrial Technology and Utilities. Students spend their school day between classes and gaining hands-on paid experience in a city division related to their chosen career pathway. The participating city divisions include Communications, Motor Equipment, Building Maintenance, Highway Maintenance, Water Plant, Water Distribution, Sewer Maintenance, and Water Reclamation. This program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions within the City of Akron workforce, providing valuable career opportunities for future Akron High School Graduates.
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High School Intern Program FAQ's
The City of Akron offers Akron Public School (APS) High School Students the opportunity to gain paid work experience within their selected career education pathway. The City provides intern positions in these select divisions: Communications, Motor Equipment, Building Maintenance, Highway Maintenance, Water Plant, Water Distribution, Sewer Maintenance, and Water Reclamation. This training position intends to lead to a full-time entry-level role within the City of Akron workforce.
Students who are eligible for the internship program must be enrolled in one of the Akron Public Schools career pathways, including Construction, Automotive, Masonry, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Project Lead the Way Engineering. To learn more about Akron Public Schools Career Pathways visit the APS website at
Academies and Pathways Grades 10 - 12 - College & Career Academies (akronschools.com).
Industrial Technology Interns assist skilled workers in performing preventative maintenance and repair on a wide variety of equipment, controls, buildings, and/or automotive equipment.
Utilities Interns assist skilled operations and maintenance employees of the Water Supply Bureau and Water Reclamation Services Bureau.
The location where the student will work is determined by the division they are assigned to.
Highway Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Motor Equipment, Water Distribution, Communications: 1436 Triplett Blvd, Akron, Ohio, 44306
Water Plant: 1570 Ravenna Road, Kent, Ohio 44240
Water Reclamation, Sewer Maintenance: 2460 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313
Speak with your APS College and Career Academy Coach, before submitting your application. To apply for the High School Internship Program, visit governmentjobs.com/careers/akron and select the Industrial Technology or Utilities High School Internship options. If the position is not currently posted, you can fill out a Job Interest Card, to be notified via email when the position is posted.
Completion of the 11th grade and enrollment in an Akron Public Schools High School or vocational school career education program. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver's license. Applicants must provide a resume, two references, and a 400-word essay detailing their interest in the chosen division and outlining their five-year career plan to be considered.
Qualified applicants will engage in a panel interview, involving representatives from all city divisions that recruit high school interns.
Check the location and time of your interview the day before. Arrive at least five minutes early. Remember to bring a notepad to jot down essential details like dress code, schedule, and expectations. Prepare questions for the interviewers to gain insights into the role and demonstrate your interest in the opportunity.
Be prepared to respond to questions like:
- What qualities or strengths do you possess that are beneficial for this role?
- What drives your motivation?
- Why do you feel you are the right fit for this position?
The internship presents a fantastic opportunity for high school students to acquire essential skills and decide if the city is where they want to pursue their careers. Moreover, it allows hiring managers to assess the intern's work ethic and suitability for the role. Think of it as a year-long job interview! Participation in a high school internship position does not guarantee employment after graduation.
In May each year, The City of Akron Human Resources Department partners with city divisions and Akron Public Schools to arrange a full-day tour of all involved city divisions. This event allows Akron Public School students to explore city work sites, engage with managers, and understand the internship program. Contact your APS College and Career Academy Coach for further details about the tour.
Contact the City of Akron Human Resources Department at 330-375-2720 or Penny Scholl via email at pscholl@akronohio.gov.