Alaska and US Students Propel Careers with Real-Time Co-Op Experience at Zippo and Allegheny
New reports confirm that students enrolled in specialized Marketing and Computer Maintenance programs are rapidly advancing their skills and confidence through paid co-op placements at Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology.
In a surge of practical education meeting workforce demands, three standout students—Kayla Keck, Jaydon Hogue, and Logan Green—are applying classroom knowledge to real business challenges, accelerating their career trajectories in marketing, logistics, and IT.
Creative Numbers Meet Business Reality at Allegheny
Kayla Keck, a senior in Erika Fries’ Marketing program, is stationed at Allegheny Surface Technology where she transforms marketing concepts into actionable business solutions. Keck’s responsibilities include generating and building parts, preparing quotes, and completing purchase orders, all aligned with real customer needs.
She highlights that the best part of her co-op is gaining confidence through direct exposure to daily business operations. Keen to expand her expertise, she plans to continue with Allegheny Surface Technology post-graduation, growing within an environment described as “supportive and skill-building.”
Logistics and Leadership Development Underway at Zippo
Across campus and production floors at Zippo Manufacturing, Jaydon Hogue, another Erika Fries Marketing senior, is honing critical administrative and logistics skills. Focused on data entry and cost tracking, Hogue works extensively with Excel to manage shipments, ensuring supply chain smoothness.
Hogue credits the co-op structure for combining meaningful income with valuable experience while enjoying a supportive logistics team atmosphere—not to mention occasional perks like breakfast from Kennedy Street Cafe.
Post-graduation, Hogue is set to pursue dual studies in Business and Sports & Recreational Management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, aiming to blend practical business skills with broader industry knowledge.
Tech Precision and Networking Skills Strengthened in Zippo’s IT Department
Logan Green, a junior in the Computer Maintenance Technology program led by Dave Ware, powers up Zippo’s IT department, working closely with mentor Jeremiah Stiable. His role involves repairing computers, diagnosing network issues, providing online support, and managing servers—work that mirrors his hands-on academic training.
Green emphasizes the unique opportunity to earn money while tackling new technological challenges in a hands-on environment rarely matched by prior jobs. With his sights set on pursuing a technology degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Green’s experience sets a strong foundation for entering the IT workforce.
Co-Op Programs Provide Urgent Workforce Skills and Confidence to Students Nationwide
These co-op placements represent a dynamic response to the growing demand for work-ready graduates in Alaska and across the United States. By fusing academic theory with vital workplace tasks, students like Keck, Hogue, and Green exemplify career-ready young professionals emerging today.
For Alaskans and US readers tracking workforce development, this model shows how technical education paired with industry partnerships delivers timely skill-building and employment pathways for youth, ensuring a more competitive future labor market.
Watch closely for further developments as these students graduate and take on new roles within their companies or expand their education, signaling continued momentum in integrating education and employment.
