Keith Heinlen – Taylor Metal Products, Tool & Die Making

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

-    Cleveland District: $250
-    PMA Educational Foundation: $250
-    Total: $500

Keith is a senior at Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby, Ohio, and currently works as a tool and die apprentice at Taylor Metal Products in Mansfield, Ohio. His long-term goal is to earn his journeyman’s card in tool and die making through North Central State College. 

Over the past two years, Keith has developed foundational skills in machining, including operating manual lathes, mills and surface grinders, as well as learning MIG and stick welding. He also gained experience with CNC mills and lathes. He was selected by his instructor to compete in the SkillsUSA precision machining contest during both his junior and senior years, where he honed teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. 

Since September 2024, Keith has worked at Taylor Metal Products, learning about progressive die stamping, welding, heat treating and CNC machining. He has spent significant time operating presses and recently built a thread check fixture for parts coming out of weld cells. 

Keith is motivated and determined to advance his skills and education, and he looks forward to making a positive impact in the manufacturing industry.