Tuesday, July 7, 2026
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Students and recent graduates sign paperwork in Penn’s Inn as part of a Kiewit “signing day,” during which they committed to a summer internship or a full-time position with the company. Kiewit is involved at Penn College throughout the year, engaging with students at Career Fairs, employer days and classroom visits.
Kiewit recently held a signing day at Pennsylvania College of Technology, celebrating seven 2026 graduates hired for full-time positions and 12 students committing to summer internships. The opportunities span 13 states with the Fortune 500 construction and engineering leader.
“We are dedicated to recruitment and increasing options for students,” said Sean M. LeBlanc, craft recruitment adviser, Weeks Marine Inc. (a subsidiary of Kiewit), about why the company stays involved year-round with Penn College through Career Fairs, employer days and special Kiewit Day classroom visits. “We want students to know the Kiewit name and also to learn about the types of opportunities we have across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This is the premier tech school, in my opinion. We want to make sure we’re there with all the players.”
LeBlanc said internships often turn into full-time employment, which was the case for the recent graduates who accepted positions with the company.
“I have heard from hiring managers that Penn College graduates are ready to go as soon as they hit the ground,” LeBlanc said. “From my first visit to the school, I was blown away at the opportunities. We tell people now that if their child is considering something in the craft world, make sure they know about Penn College. We have community colleges I’ve been to in the past, but nothing compares to Penn College in size and scope and availability in one place – from engine mechanics all the way to a cook position.”
Kiewit employees who attended the signing day with LeBlanc were Draven Miller, welding program manager; Ryon Jennerette, welding manager; Samuel Henry, assistant equipment manager; and Brad Kulac, manager of craft recruitment.
Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs and provost, was joined by Brad M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies, and Justin W. Beishline, corporate relations officer, in welcoming Kiewit staff, students and their families.
“As you join one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering firms – consistently ranked among the top contractors – you represent the strength of Penn College, where hands-on learning prepares students for in-demand careers,” Flynn said. “We are proud of each of you for earning this opportunity and grateful to Kiewit for investing in our students and their future success.”
Beishline shared with guests that when he first met with a representative of Kiewit in 2024, he disclosed that many students do not want to travel far from home or leave the state, but that face-to-face recruiting often helps increase numbers. In spring 2025, seven students attended a signing day.
“We all thought that was incredible for a company to sign seven students,” he said. “It was such a great achievement and proof that I was wrong about students not wanting to leave the state. Turns out they will leave for the right company. Imagine our shock as this year we see Kiewit welcome 19 students.”
Full-time hires and interns will be serving in the divisions of power, power constructors, energy, industrial, mining and marine.
Quality interns and their locations are Cameron J. Quinn, Homer City; Shawn J. Sheptock, Greenville, Mississippi; Valentino A. Barillaro, Santa Teresa, New Mexico; Jake J. Small, Fort Worth, Texas; Tyler A. Nice, Rayville, Louisiana; Maddie R. Yingling, Abilene, Texas; Payton M. Crawford, College Park, Maryland; Hunter A. Gruber, Lone Tree, Colorado; Cassandra G. O’Shell, Conway Springs, Kansas; and Sofia C. LaSpina, Cayuga, Indiana.
Those accepting quality specialist 1 positions and their locations are Julia E. Minnicks, Homer City; Brandon Cornwell-Blais, Lenexa, Kansas; Aidan C. Sweeney, Homer City; Miles R. Aurand, Forsyth, Georgia; Joe C. Menges, Lenexa; Brennan D. Bure, Cayuga; Rocco F. Celentano, New Jersey; Cael J. Heck, Virginia; and Drew G. Macey, Gillette, Wyoming.
For more on diesel, heavy equipment and power generation majors or welding majors, call the School of Engineering Technologies at 570-327-4520.
Students check out their welcome package from Kiewit during a signing day with the company.
Get Penn College News in your inbox each morning.