The High School Internship Program at the N.C. Department of Transportation is a year-round program that provides the opportunity for students to work one semester or consecutive semesters as a paid, part-time intern at NCDOT.
How to Apply
To apply for the NCDOT High School Internship Program, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources website. All applications must be received no later than May 1, 2026
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This program provides participants the opportunity to:
- Gain valuable hands-on work experience
- Learn about various employment positions at NCDOT
- Make future career choices within NCDOT
- Work directly with NCDOT hiring managers to customize internship experience
- Participate in meetings, educational tours and other activities
- Broaden perspective of public service and state government employment
High school students throughout North Carolina are encouraged to apply as there are numerous positions available at various NCDOT divisions and units.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled as a high school student in North Carolina
- Must be at least 16 years old at time of employment
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.3 (based on 4.0 scale)
- Must provide GPA transcript by attaching to online application
Frequently Asked Questions
All high school interns must be 18 years of age with a valid North Carolina driver license.
Yes, high school interns over the age of 16 can operate power driven equipment as a part of their employment. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, lawn mowers (both push and rider), weed eaters, cars, trucks and golf carts (both electric and gas powered).
During the school term, high school interns who are enrolled in grades 12 or lower cannot be employed between 11 p.m.-5 a.m. when there is school for the student the next day. Exception: When the employer gets written permission from the student's parents and principal.
No. All divisions and units will adhere to the relative policy [DE1] and will be reviewed prior to employment. Because relatives can work in the same division and sometimes the same unit, they are not allowed to supervise another relative or be in the same span of control.
At discretion of NCDOT management, graduating high school interns may remain in the program. Also, those who will or have graduated and have yet to enter college, are also eligible to participate in the program. Any High School Internship extension must be approved by NCDOT’s Human Resources.
Because they are not full-time permanent employees, they are not eligible for safety shoe reimbursement. NCDOT does not pay temporary employees for safety shoes.
If your division employs inmates, please consider this directive when determining suitable placements for high school interns. High school interns, being minors, should not be assigned to work in areas with or around prison inmates.