Kentucky Students Gain Crucial Industry Experience in Co-Ops at Zippo and Allegheny
Kentucky’s emerging workforce is sharpening business and tech skills right now through hands-on co-op programs at Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology. Three standout students from Erika Fries’ Marketing and Dave Ware’s Computer Maintenance Technology programs are turning classroom theory into professional success in real time.
Marketing Seniors Excel with Real Business Impact
Kayla Keck, a senior in the Marketing program, is applying her creativity and numerical skills at Allegheny Surface Technology, supporting daily operations by generating parts, preparing quotes, and managing purchase orders. She emphasizes that the co-op has boosted her confidence and understanding of business workflows. “I’m learning how a business operates day to day while building skills that can be used anywhere,” Keck said.
She is determined to remain with Allegheny Surface Technology after graduation to continue growing in a supportive environment—showing how experiential learning fuels career retention at Kentucky businesses.
Jaydon Hogue, also a Marketing senior, strengthens critical administrative and logistical skills at Zippo Manufacturing. Her role involves detailed tasks such as entering data into Excel, tracking shipments, and cost analysis, directly connecting her coursework with supply chain realities. Earning money while gaining this experience has been a major co-op benefit, along with team camaraderie and perks like breakfast from a local café.
Hogue plans to further her education at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, targeting Business and Sports & Recreational Management—demonstrating the blend of practical work experience with educational advancement.
Tech Junior Advances Essential IT Competencies in High-Demand Setting
Logan Green, a junior in Computer Maintenance Technology, is building his technical skills under mentor Jeremiah Stiable in Zippo’s IT department. Focused on networking and computer repair, Green tackles real-world problems including hardware fixes, online support, network diagnostics, and server maintenance. This work mirrors his classroom learning while sharply broadening his technical expertise.
“Earning money while learning new skills, especially tasks I hadn’t seen in other jobs, has been a huge highlight,” Green shared. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to pursue a technology degree—signaling Kentucky’s growing pipeline of skilled information technology professionals ready to meet current industry demands.
Co-Op Programs Fuel Kentucky’s Workforce Development
These co-ops demonstrate the immediate impact of combining education with real-world experience in Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing hubs. Students are not only gaining valuable skills but are earning income and building professional networks that will benefit their future careers and the regional economy.
Programs like these align with Kentucky’s workforce priorities by integrating technical education with industry placements that grow talent and support local business success. With companies like Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology leading the way, Kentucky’s next generation is stepping into the workforce prepared and confident.
Industry experts applaud these initiatives for providing students critical exposure to operational realities, making classroom lessons come alive and broadening career possibilities across marketing, logistics, and IT sectors.
“These co-op experiences equip students with the hands-on knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in today’s competitive business and technology fields,” said Erika Fries, Marketing program instructor.
As these students advance, educators, businesses, and communities watch closely—this model could serve as a blueprint for workforce development efforts across Kentucky and beyond, powering economic growth and individual success.
