Delaware Students Catapult Business and Tech Careers with Real-Time Co-Op Placements
Three Delaware high school seniors and juniors are already transforming classroom lessons into practical workplace expertise with active co-ops at renowned companies including Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology. These immersive positions are delivering more than just paychecks—they are equipping the students with indispensable skills that are propelling them toward their career goals immediately after graduation.
Marketing Seniors Accelerate Hands-On Experience at Industry Leaders
Kayla Keck, a senior in Erika Fries’ Marketing program, is actively strengthening her creative and numerical skill set at Allegheny Surface Technology. Keck’s daily tasks include generating part builds, preparing detailed quotes, and completing purchase orders that align classroom theory with real customer demands.
“The best part of co-op is gaining confidence while learning firsthand how a business operates daily,” Keck said, revealing how this high-impact work experience is far beyond textbook knowledge. She intends to leverage this newfound confidence and knowledge by continuing to grow within Allegheny’s supportive environment after she graduates.
Similarly, senior Jaydon Hogue is deepening her administrative and logistics expertise at Zippo Manufacturing. Working closely with Zippo’s Logistics team, Hogue manages critical data entry, shipment tracking, and cost reviewing through Excel—a direct extension of her marketing coursework under Fries. Hogue describes the co-op as “earning money while gaining experience with a supportive team,” even enjoying occasional breakfasts from the local Kennedy Street Cafe as a workplace perk.
Hogue is already charting her next educational steps, planning to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to study Business and Sports & Recreational Management, confident her co-op foundation will be vital in this transition.
Junior Builds Technical Prowess in IT at Zippo Manufacturing
Logan Green, a junior in Dave Ware’s Computer Maintenance Technology program, is on the frontlines of technology troubleshooting at Zippo’s IT department. Under mentor Jeremiah Stiable, Green tackles computer repairs, online technical support, network diagnostics, and server maintenance—hands-on work remarkably similar to his classroom tasks.
“Earning money while learning new skills is a highlight, especially getting exposure to tasks I hadn’t seen in previous jobs,” Green shared. After graduation, he plans to pursue a technology degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, building on the expertise his co-op has accelerated.
Why This Matters Now for Delaware and Beyond
These students’ co-op engagements underscore a growing trend prioritizing experiential learning that blends academic theory with immediate workplace application. Their stories highlight how Delaware’s educational institutions and local industry leaders like Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology are creating vital pathways to workforce readiness.
The evolving job market demands candidates who can hit the ground running—these co-ops are clear proof that when education meets real business challenges head-on, students gain the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in competitive environments nationwide.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on these rising professionals as they transition from co-op to career, with potential full-time roles at companies already investing in their growth. Their journeys also offer a blueprint for Delaware’s educational programs aiming to expand co-op opportunities across business, technology, and beyond.
As companies nationwide face ongoing talent shortages, initiatives like these are crucial models for accelerating student career readiness, making Delaware a notable leader in youth workforce development today.
