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Released: 1/20/2026
DRPA and PATCO Open Applications for 2026 Paid Summer Work Program
Trade School and College Students Get Hands-On Experience and a Head Start on Careers in the Trades
The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), are now accepting applications for their 2026 Paid Summer Work Program, offering trade school and college students hands-on, work experience across a wide range of trade and operational disciplines.
DRPA and PATCO have introduced a new Summer Work Program for 2026, focused on supporting operational and field-based roles across the organization. Positions will support functions such as toll operations, groundskeeping and landscaping, custodial services, fleet support, and other operational assignments. The program will rely on new partnerships with area trade schools. The work program is open to graduating high school seniors entering trade school in the fall of 2026, with a minimum age of 18. The program is also open to college students enrolled for the fall of 2026 that have already completed their first year of college.
Approximately 25 students will be hired for summer 2026. Summer work program students will work full-time (40 hours per week) for 12 weeks, from June 1 through August 21, 2026, earning between $19.00 and $27.51 per hour, depending on the position.
“Our Summer Work Program reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of professionals,” said Toni P. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer for DRPA and PATCO. “By providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to meaningful public-sector work, students will grow professionally while contributing to projects that directly serve the region.”
In addition to competitive weekly compensation, Summer Work Program participants receive free parking at all DRPA and PATCO facilities, complimentary DRPA bridge passage and PATCO transit service for commuting to and from work, and access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and optional professional development. The program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on work experience in a collaborative environment where students contribute to real projects with public impact.
“Hands on experience matters, especially in trade and operational fields,” said John T. Hanson, CEO of DRPA and President of PATCO. “Our new summer work program gives students the opportunity to work directly in the field, gain real-world job experience, and support the systems, facilities and services that the public relies on every day.”
Applications for the 2026 Summer Work Program are open through February 4th, 2026 (4:00 PM), and interested candidates can find additional information and apply at www.drpa.org/careers.
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