Nevada Students Accelerate Careers Through High-Impact Co-Ops
Kayla Keck, Jaydon Hogue, and Logan Green are emerging as standout students in Nevada’s technical and business education programs, currently gaining invaluable real-world experience through competitive co-op placements
These accelerated work-study programs, at major players like Allegheny Surface Technology and Zippo Manufacturing, have students applying classroom concepts immediately to industry demands, forging crucial skills that employers nationwide seek.
Marketing Students Kayla Keck and Jaydon Hogue Thrive on On-the-Job Learning
Keck, a senior in Erika Fries’ Marketing program, combines creativity and numeracy daily as she supports production tasks, manages quotes, and finalizes purchase orders at Allegheny Surface Technology. Her co-op experience is fast-tracking her confidence and understanding of day-to-day business operations.
“The best part has been building confidence and seeing how classroom theory meets real customer needs,” Keck said. She aims to continue growing with Allegheny Surface Tech post-graduation in a supportive environment.
Meanwhile, Jaydon Hogue, also a senior in the same marketing track, strengthens administrative skills critical for business success through her co-op at Zippo Manufacturing’s logistics department. Using Excel for shipment tracking and cost reviews, she bridges coursework with logistics operations.
Hogue credits the co-op for income and real-world skills, along with the team culture and perks like local breakfast caterings. After completing her senior year, she plans to study Business and Sports & Recreational Management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
IT Tech Student Logan Green Builds Expertise in Networking and Repairs
Logan Green, a junior in Dave Ware’s Computer Maintenance Technology program, is sharpening his IT skills by repairing computers, diagnosing network issues, providing remote support, and handling servers at Zippo’s IT department under mentor Jeremiah Stiable.
Green highlights the value of “hands-on, paid experience with new technical challenges” that perfectly complement his classes. Post-graduation, he intends to pursue an advanced technology degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Why Nevada and U.S. Businesses Should Monitor These Emerging Talent Pipelines
Programs like those guided by Fries and Ware not only empower students with marketable skills but also fill urgent talent pipelines for manufacturing, logistics, IT, and marketing sectors across the country.
As co-op participants like Keck, Hogue, and Green push boundaries, Nevada’s education-to-employment pathways demonstrate a replicable model to meet evolving workforce demands immediately while fostering long-term economic development nationwide.
Next Steps: Tracking Co-Op Graduates’ Career Growth
Watch for updates on these young professionals as they transition from co-op roles to full-time positions or advanced studies, showcasing the tangible impact of hands-on education.
For Nevada and U.S. employers, keeping close tabs on such programs offers a real-time look at tomorrow’s workforce—ready, experienced, and driven.
