Meet our Interns from the Steel Shop

Each summer we hire a group of interns to work in a variety of departments in the office and on job sites. New this year, we have three interns who are high school students working in the Steel Shop. Josie, Natalie and Ashton  will be seniors in high school in the fall and are receiving some terrific hands-on experience working with Dave Catt in the Steel Shop.

Josie is a senior in high school this year. Her dad is a Superintendent on the Pleasant Run CCS for Citizens Energy Group. She has other family members who are employed by Wilhelm, so construction runs in her blood. Enrolled in the welding program at her high school, she is considering a career in the construction industry after graduation.

What were some of the things you learned this summer?

I learned a lot! I learned how to read blueprints and how to read a saw cutting list.

What surprised you about your experience working in the Steel Shop?

Everyone was very welcoming and willing to show me how to do things correctly. I was surprised at how well everyone worked together. At school, everyone is very competitive. Here, they work as a team. And they thought it was cool to have two women working in the shop.

Natalie is also a senior in high school this year. She became interested in welding from viewing Welders doing work on different social media platforms. After high school she is considering joining the Ironworkers’ Apprenticeship program with her goal being to walk the beam one day.

What were some of the things you learned this summer?

I learned more this summer than in eight months of the high school welding program. I learned how to read a tape measure and how to use a ban saw. Safety is very important in the Steel Shop. I learned more about PPE and why it is important to wear in the shop.

Would you recommend this program to other high school students?

Yes, I would. Everyone was helpful and wanted to help me learn.