Featured Service: Internships at Brubacher

Each summer, Brubacher welcomes students who are interested in learning more about construction jobs, the trades, and the many roles that keep projects moving forward. Some arrive with a clear sense of where they want to go. Others are still exploring what their future could look like.

Brubacher’s internship program is designed to meet them where they are, offering real responsibilities, exposure to different areas of the industry, and relationships with experienced team members excited to share what they know. For some participants, that experience becomes more than a summer of learning. It marks the beginning of a lasting career with Brubacher.

That possibility is central to the program, but it is not its only measure of success. The broader goal is to help students become more capable, confident, and prepared for whatever career path they ultimately pursue in life.

“Our focus is relationships first,” said Jordan K., Manager of People & Development. “We want to raise up the construction industry as a whole.”

Learning Through Meaningful Work

In total, eight interns from an array of backgrounds participated in Brubacher’s construction internship program during summer 2026. Some were college and trade school students, while several were still attending high school. Collectively, the group represented a range of interests, and all gained valuable firsthand exposure to the people, processes, and problem-solving behind Brubacher’s work.

Rather than assigning every participant the same predetermined experience, Brubacher’s leaders and mentors make an effort to get to know interns individually and connect them with opportunities that fit their interests and learning goals. The intention is not simply to keep interns busy, but to help them develop into independent workers who can think through challenges, ask thoughtful questions, and take initiative.

Equipment Manager Andy H. saw that attitude in the interns he supported in the Fleet department this summer. What stood out most, he said, was “their willingness to do whatever was asked and their desire to learn.”

The group completed a variety of hands-on assignments that reflected the everyday realities of the industry. Some gained exposure to the full lifecycle of Brubacher’s equipment, from preparing newly acquired machines for service to completing scheduled maintenance and assisting with time-sensitive repairs. Interns also learned that successful field operations depend on considerable coordination behind the scenes.

Over the past year, Brubacher has intentionally broadened portions of the program to provide that wider perspective. Students whose primary construction career interests are technical and hands-on can still spend most of their time developing those skills, while also learning how parts, service, planning, and other support functions contribute to the work.

Interns also experience the less predictable side of construction. Assignments and conditions can change quickly, requiring team members to remain flexible, support others, and work through summer heat or rain. Those experiences provide an honest understanding of the industry—and the teamwork required to do the job the right way.

Relationships That Continue to Grow

Brubacher’s internship program continues to be supported by longstanding relationships with schools and technical education programs, including Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamson College of the Trades, and regional career and technical education centers.

Those relationships help connect students with career possibilities, but the program’s success also depends on participation from Brubacher team members. Mentors answer questions, explain unfamiliar concepts, demonstrate the work, and—perhaps most importantly—give interns opportunities to try it themselves.

Jordan has seen enthusiasm for that responsibility grow from year to year. As more team members witness the value of the program, he spends less time “selling” the idea internally. Our people increasingly look forward to welcoming interns and contributing to their development.

That growing support reflects Brubacher’s core values. For example, Teamwork means serving first and sharing knowledge, while Initiative means looking ahead and making things happen. By helping an intern learn, a team member can strengthen not only one student’s future, but also the future of the construction industry.

From Intern to Field Engineer

Chris B. experienced that support firsthand when he joined Brubacher as a Construction Management Intern in summer 2024. At the time, he was studying at Williamson College of the Trades and still developing his understanding of the industry. As Chris learned to navigate unfamiliar construction concepts and software, several mentors on the Brubacher team welcomed his questions, explained ideas in different ways, and gave him opportunities to participate rather than limiting him to observation.

“The most rewarding aspect of my internship was my mentors letting me do the work instead of just explaining it to me and letting me watch,” Chris previously shared in 2024. “It showed me that they had faith and trust in me as an intern and made me feel a part of the team.”

His experience included time with a pipe crew and a site supervisor, helping him connect what he encountered in the field with the software and processes used in the office. That varied exposure gave him what he now describes as a “taste of everything.”

Chris remained in contact with Brubacher after his internship, graduated from Williamson in 2025, and is now a Field Engineer. Although his role and knowledge of the industry have continued to grow, the supportive culture he encountered as an intern has remained consistent.

“Everyone is willing to help,” Chris said of his Brubacher colleagues. “Everyone wants to see you succeed.”

Building What Comes Next

Looking ahead, some members of the 2026 intern class may return for another summer, pursue a co-op experience, or eventually explore permanent opportunities with Brubacher. Others may take what they learned into a different part of the industry, or even beyond construction careers. Regardless, the time invested in their growth has significant value.

For students hoping to turn an internship into the foundation for a meaningful career, Chris’s advice is simple: “Do it and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

Showing up ready to learn, embracing unfamiliar experiences, and taking initiative can open doors. Just as importantly, relationships with people who are willing to teach, encourage, and trust a young professional can help turn those early opportunities into a clearer view of what comes next. Brubacher is grateful to every team member who invests the time and care needed to make those experiences possible.