Featured Department: Internships – Empowering the Next Generation

The future of the construction industry is being shaped by the ideas and energy of the next generation, and preparing these individuals to lead—and find fulfillment in their careers—is a responsibility the Brubacher team takes seriously. That’s why we have developed a robust internship program that offers real-world experience, hands-on learning, and professional development opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. By fostering an environment where current students in the trades can find their passion, build confidence, and prepare for rewarding construction careers, we aim to help them lay the groundwork for a successful future, wherever their path may take them.

 A commitment to construction industry career transparency and mentorship is a significant factor that sets the Brubacher internship program apart. Interns aren’t just observers—they’re active participants who are encouraged to ask questions, challenge themselves, and engage fully with the work. We connect each intern to mentors on our team who provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their journey.

“From day one, our interns are integrated into the team and given meaningful responsibilities,” Jordan K., Brubacher’s Manager of People & Development recently shared. “We want them to feel like they’re truly part of the Brubacher team. Our goal is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the industry and gain real skills—without any smoke and mirrors.”

Experiences Tailored to the Individual and Built on Genuine Relationships

 We are intentional in our approach to internships to avoid the common one-size-fits-all approach. The Brubacher internship program is tailored to the individual interests and aspirations of each participant. Jordan added, “We focus on building real relationships with our interns. We want them to see the construction industry for what it truly is and understand that there are many different paths to success. Whether they want to return to Brubacher after school or pursue other opportunities, our goal is to support their growth and help them find the right fit.”

We provide three distinct tracks for internships: Construction Management, Fleet, and Field Operations. Each track gives interns immersive, hands-on experiences that reflect the realities of a career in their chosen area of specialty within the industry. However, there is also a high degree of flexibility for exploration built in, and interns are encouraged to explore aspects of roles beyond their track during their time with Brubacher. For example, our Construction Management interns begin their journey in the field, working alongside our crews to understand the core aspects of the job and gain vital context. As they progress, they are introduced to the specialized technical work involved in day-to-day construction management services, such as project management, engineering, and estimating. This gradual, hands-on learning approach not only offers holistic knowledge about the career but also allows interns to discover the types of work they are most interested in pursuing.

2024 Summer Construction Management intern Chris B. shared, “Brubacher’s emphasis of true on-the-job experience impacted my understanding of the construction industry and the trades in many ways. I got to experience multiple days in the field on the pipe crew, and I got to spend time with the site supervisor, which helped me see fieldwork in person. It helped me have a better idea when I was in the office on the software because I understand what materials went in certain places and what everything meant on the software side.”

 It’s not just individual relationships that shape the program. Our long-standing partnerships with educational institutions like Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lancaster County CTC, Berks CTC, and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute ensure that we attract talented interns who are eager to learn and contribute. These institutional relationships (with which Jordan also shares his time and energy outside the office as a volunteer board member) allow us to create a steady pipeline of future talent and provide students with the opportunity to experience the construction industry firsthand.

 Internship Goals and Outcomes: Bright Futures in the Construction Industry and Beyond

At Brubacher, we believe the internship experience should be more than just a stepping stone—it should be a transformative journey. We focus on developing key skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any career. By encouraging interns to explore different areas of the business, we hope to move them closer to finding their true calling during their time at Brubacher. Ultimately, as we get to know them, we do everything we can to set these young professionals up for success and support their first steps into their careers.

“We’ve had interns come to us with an interest in one area, only to discover that their passion lies elsewhere—sometimes even in another industry they hadn’t considered,” said Jordan. “Our flexible program allows them to explore these interests, and we’re there to guide and support them every step of the way.”

For many interns, their time learning and experiencing alongside our team mentors is a step along the path to joining Brubacher for additional internship seasons or an eventual permanent role with the company. Summer 2024 Field Operations intern Kylee S. shared, “My Brubacher summer internship taught me so much about the construction world. Everyone I worked with was amazing and very understanding that I was still learning. The best part of my summer was being able to run the excavator on a pipe crew for a little bit. I wouldn’t have wanted to start my career anywhere else. I can’t wait to come back and see what my future holds. Thanks for an awesome summer, Brubacher!” We are excited for Kylee’s upcoming return as part of her school’s co-op program.

With many of our interns successfully transitioning into full-time roles at Brubacher, there is no question that our integrated approach to preparing the next generation to lead is effective. From field engineers to heavy equipment technicians to project managers, we have many “intern-to-full-time employee success stories” of former interns becoming valuable members of our team and bringing along their fresh perspectives and the drive to succeed.

Brubacher Field Engineer and former two-season intern Andy M. remarked, “My time as an intern helped build a strong foundation for my current position as a field engineer. The field knowledge that I gained in my first internship, combined with the estimating and problem-solving skills I had learned in my second internship, helped give me a strong foundation that I am able to continue to build on. When the opportunity to work full-time presented itself, it was not a difficult choice for me. The people that I was working alongside helped make that decision easy. There was an atmosphere at Brubacher that was different than other companies I had been at. I was always in an environment in which my team members were helping not just me but each other succeed.”

As the industry continues to evolve, so do the needs and expectations of the workforce. At Brubacher, we are committed to meeting those needs and helping the next generation find their place in the construction world. Our internship program is just one way we’re making that happen—and yet another example of our dedication to Shaping the World We Live In for the better.

If you’re a student or young professional looking to explore a career in construction, we invite you to consider an internship at Brubacher. Discover what it’s like to be part of a team that values your development, respects your ambitions, and supports your growth—both personally and professionally. Reach out to our recruiters to start a conversation about your future today!

We extend our heartfelt thanks once again to Jordan K., Manager of People & Development, for his exceptional leadership of our internship program. Jordan’s genuine care, mentorship, and vision for developing future talent create a welcoming environment where interns are empowered to grow, learn, and find their place within the construction industry.