Student Co-op/Manufacturing Intern

Student Co-op / Manufacturing Intern

Part-Time | On-site in Douglassville, PA

Job Title: Student Co-op / Manufacturing Intern Location: 531 Old Swede Road – Douglassville, PA 19518 Schedule: Part-Time | Based on approved school co-op program schedule Compensation: Competitive hourly pay

If you're a student who wants hands-on experience—not just classroom learning—and you're willing to show up, work hard, and learn, this role will feel like a strong fit.

At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we're looking for students enrolled in a school co-op program who want real exposure to manufacturing. You'll work alongside skilled trades professionals and gain experience in electrical, mechanical, machining, and industrial painting environments.

We build equipment where safety, quality, and teamwork matter—this is a real manufacturing environment, not a classroom simulation.

You won't get lost here—your effort will be noticed, and your work will matter.

What This Role Really Is

This is a hands-on learning role—you'll spend most of your time supporting production teams, following instructions, learning how work gets done in a manufacturing environment, and being accountable for showing up, working safely, and contributing where needed.

Who Thrives Here (and Who Doesn't)

You'll do well here if you:

• Show up on time and take responsibility for your work
• Ask questions, listen, and apply what you learn
• Are willing to do hands-on work in a shop environment

This role is likely not a fit if you:

• Prefer sitting in a classroom over working with your hands
• Need constant reminders to stay on task
• Are not comfortable working in a manufacturing environment

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• Learn shop safety rules, PPE requirements, and basic processes
• Build familiarity with different manufacturing departments
• Support teams with increasing confidence and independence
• Demonstrate reliability, effort, and willingness to learn
• Begin developing basic technical skills and shop awareness

Why Join Our Team at American Crane?

• Real Experience – Work on actual manufacturing projects, not simulations
• Skill Development – Learn from experienced tradespeople and technicians
• Career Exposure – Explore electrical, mechanical, machining, and fabrication paths
• Foundation Building – Develop work ethic, accountability, and professional habits

What You'll Do

Electrical Support

• Assist with wiring and installation of electrical systems on industrial equipment
• Support electrical technicians during assembly and testing

Mechanical Assembly

• Assist with installation and assembly of mechanical components
• Support equipment preparation and assembly processes

Machining Exposure

• Assist machinists with shop support tasks
• Gain exposure to mills, lathes, and CNC equipment

Industrial Painting Support

• Assist with sanding, masking, cleaning, and prep work
• Support painting and finishing processes

General Manufacturing Support

• Assist with shop organization, material handling, and production preparation
• Follow all safety procedures and work instructions

What We're Looking For

Education & Eligibility

• Currently enrolled in a high school vocational, technical, or cooperative education program
• Must be actively enrolled in an approved school co-op program
• Must be authorized by the school to work during school hours as part of the program

Experience

• No prior professional experience required
• Exposure to manufacturing, mechanical, or technical coursework preferred

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interest in manufacturing, skilled trades, or engineering
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
• Alignment with ACECO values: Work Hard, Have Fun, and Do the Right Thing

Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Must be enrolled in an approved school cooperative education program
• Must be authorized to work during school hours as part of the co-op program
• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Ability to verify identity and employment authorization (Form I-9)
• Ability to meet the posted work schedule based on school program requirements
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
• Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Willingness to wear required PPE when in shop or manufacturing areas
• Willingness to complete required safety and compliance training
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Additional Requirements for the Position

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and move materials as needed
• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced team members

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing and fabrication shop environment
• Exposure to machinery, tools, and production processes
• Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and industrial conditions
• Required use of PPE in all designated areas

What's In It For You?

At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we invest in people who want to learn, grow, and build a foundation for their future.

• Competitive hourly pay
• Real-world work experience in a professional manufacturing environment
• Exposure to multiple career paths in skilled trades and engineering
• Opportunity to build skills that translate directly to future employment
• Hands-on experience across multiple departments
• Direct mentorship from experienced tradespeople
• Opportunity to explore career paths before graduation

What to Expect from Our Hiring Process

• Every application is reviewed by our internal team—we do not rely on automated screening tools
• We aim to keep the process clear, efficient, and professional

How to Apply:

We hire people who take ownership of their work—if that sounds like you, we encourage you submit your application online HERE!

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations

American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.

This position requires:

• Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
• Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access