Wayfinding & Signage Design Apprentice

Wayfinding & Signage Design Apprentice

City of Charlotte – Aviation Department

Opening Date:
Thursday, January 08, 2026 12:00 AM

Closing Date:
Friday, January 30, 2026 12:00 AM

Salary: $0.00 - $0.00, commensurate with experience

Starting Pay: $24.73

Join the City of Charlotte as a way finding and signage design apprentice, helping design, fabricate, and print signage materials for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The role offers a paid apprenticeship, opportunities for professional development, and a pathway to full‑time employment.

Acquires specialized skills under the tutelage of an experienced journeyman. Primary responsibilities will involve assisting in the design, layout, fabrication, and printing of airport signage. The apprentice will also provide general maintenance work, participate in classes and workshops, observe all health and safety codes, and complete tests and assignments.

• Assist with development of design concepts for public-facing and operational materials.
• Support creation of branded visual content across print, digital, and environmental platforms.
• Contribute to way finding and signage systems and spatial layout design within the airport campus.
• Help maintain design standards that align with airport branding and user experience goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including communications, planning, and facilities.
• Participate in job shadowing, mentorship, and on‑the‑job training assignments.
• Present project ideas and receive feedback from mentors and managers.

• Paid apprenticeship with progressive wage increases.
• Full employee benefits, including health, dental, retirement, and tuition prepayment.
• Associate's Degree in Graphic Arts & Design from Central Piedmont Community College, fully paid by the City.
• Professional certifications and software training (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools).
• Real‑world experience in a dynamic and highly visible municipal operation.
• Potential pathway to full‑time employment with the City of Charlotte upon successful completion.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Enrollment in the Graphic Design program at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).
• Demonstrated interest in design, art, architecture, or visual communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and eagerness to learn.
• Willingness to work in a team‑oriented, deadline‑driven environment.

Approximately 70% of the time standing, bending, reaching, walking, and driving; 30% sitting, twisting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, lifting, shoveling, and carrying. Must lift up to 50 lbs, and occasionally up to 100 lbs with another person.

Works inside and outside; may include exposure to machinery, dust, chemicals, fumes, solvents, moving objects/vehicles, scaffolding, ladders, vibrating tools, excessive noise, large crowds, and slippery or uneven surfaces.

Background checks, pre‑employment drug screening, physical examination, and potential skills assessment are required.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or gender expression.

Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations, please tell us. For inquiries, email Careersrlotte.nc.us.

Physical office: 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Open Monday‑Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EST).

Comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.