My name is Keegan Bandholz, and I am a Muhlenberg High School senior in the Welding and Manufacturing program at Reading Muhlenberg CTC. My inspiration came from my grandfather, Donald Simon. He was a welder at Arrow, and he taught me how to weld when I was 10 years old. The first thing I welded was scrap metal. I love welding because it allows me to be creative. My grandfather and I still talk about welding, and he shares pointers with me! I have also worked hard through Boy Scouts to soon become a Boy Scout Eagle Scout!
At RMCTC, I learned how to stick-weld, mig-weld, and work on the plasma (CNC) table. I also learned a strong work ethic and the rewards you get from working hard. Mr. Zack Majors, my welding instructor, has taught me how important it is to measure correctly and fabricate items. He has taught me different methods and helped me with basic job skills to help me to get a co-op position.
When High Concrete came to our school, Mr. John Pieffer was talking about a company called High Steel. I reached out to see if they had any positions. In the Summer of 2025. I applied and got an internship at High Steel in Lancaster. In order to obtain this internship, I had to complete a phone interview, an in-person interview, and a weld test. The first part of the summer, I attended High Steel University training. I obtained my TACK certs and Stick and MIG certifications. As the summer progressed, I was now able to work in the shop with a trainer.
In the Fall of 2025, I began my co-op with High Steel in the hopes that when I graduate, I could obtain a position there. Mr. Gregory Weitzel, High Steel University Superintendent, has helped me grow in the different areas of High Steel. I have other supervisors who help as well! My goals in the future would be to stay with High Steel and move up in the company, or move to Texas and work as a welder in the oil field! It has been a great experience learning at RMCTC and working in my field! I am looking forward to an amazing future!
Keegan Bandholz
Student of RMCTC
