PennDOT intern Will Yasenka measures a highway barrier in order to assess how much material is being used on the job site.

Engineering students are finding opportunity in Butler County.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is offering internship programs in construction and maintenance, with an emphasis on engineering.

“We get kids from all over,” said Jamie Arehart, PennDOT District 10 community relations coordinator. “Most of what they’re doing is data collecting and monitoring.”

Carl Ray, transportation construction manager, said the internship offers great exposure for the next generation of builders.

“It helps them get some job experience and it helps because we have some extra hands available,” he said. “And it looks good on a resume. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Ray said the typical responsibilities of the interns involve inspecting roads, project keeping and witnessing construction.

This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday’s Butler Eagle to read the full article.