Montana Students Gain Critical Real-World Experience at Top U.S. Manufacturers
Montana and U.S. business sectors see rising talent as students Kayla Keck, Jaydon Hogue, and Logan Green are making impactful strides in their co-op placements this year. From marketing spreadsheets to IT troubleshooting, these young professionals are applying urgent skills that meet today’s dynamic workforce demands.
Marketing Students Power Business Operations at Allegheny Surface Technology and Zippo
Kayla Keck, a senior in Erika Fries’ Marketing program, stands out at Allegheny Surface Technology by blending creativity with data-driven tasks. Her responsibilities include generating parts, preparing detailed quotes, and managing purchase orders — all critical functions that connect classroom theory to real-time customer needs.
“The best part of co-op is the confidence I’m building while seeing how a business runs day-to-day,” Keck shared. She is eager to continue her growth at Allegheny after graduation, highlighting the supportive environment as essential for her professional development.
Meanwhile, Jaydon Hogue sharpens administrative and logistical skills at the iconic Zippo Manufacturing. Immersed in logistics, Hogue meticulously tracks shipments, enters data into Excel, and reviews transportation costs. This operational experience directly reinforces her marketing coursework and broadens her readiness for any business setting.
Hogue credits the co-op for offering both invaluable earnings and skill-building opportunities. “The supportive team in Logistics and even breakfast perks keep the environment motivating,” said Hogue, who plans to pursue Business and Sports & Recreational Management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Tech Innovator Advances Networking Skills in Zippo’s IT Department
On the technology front, Logan Green, a junior in Computer Maintenance Technology, is rapidly evolving his technical expertise within Zippo’s IT department. Guided by mentor Jeremiah Stiable, Green tackles computer repairs, online IT support, network diagnostics, and server management.
“Co-op challenges me with tasks I never encountered before, and earning money while learning new skills pushed my experience to the next level,” Green said. His next step is a technology degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, underlining the upward trajectory of his career.
The Bigger Picture: Youth and Industry Make an Immediate Impact
These fast-developing co-ops reflect a growing nationwide trend of integrating education with critical workplace experiences at prominent manufacturers like Zippo and Allegheny Surface Technology. The skills gained by these students will help fill urgent talent gaps in marketing, logistics, and IT—fields that drive Montana’s economy and the broader U.S. market.
With Montana’s economy linked to national manufacturing and technology sectors, success stories like Keck’s, Hogue’s, and Green’s amplify the region’s workforce readiness. Businesses nationwide face intense competition for skilled labor, and programs pairing education with real-world work are proving to be vital pipelines for tomorrow’s leaders.
Watch for further developments as these students graduate and step into professional roles shaping Montana and U.S. industries
As these outstanding students progress through their education and careers, Montana Insider will continue delivering fast, reliable updates on how education and industry partnerships transform local and national economies.
