TMA Summer Camp Leads to Unique Internship Opportunity

With one year of high school remaining, Island Lake native, Zack Kooi was already busy planning for his future. His participation in TMA’s two-week long Manufacturing Summer Camp last July helped propel his already growing interest in the manufacturing industry, and ultimately landed him an internship with Matrix Tooling Inc./Matrix Plastic Products, in Wood Dale. The camp experience not only solidified his desire to pursue a career in manufacturing, but also enabled him the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access.

“My favorite part of the camp was the tours of the shops,” Kooi said. “I liked seeing what things look like and how things work. Matrix was my favorite place.”

As an apprentice mold maker at Matrix, Kooi takes part in machining on Bridgeports and manual grinders, in addition to helping with maintenance on various machines. Despite the opportunity to gain hands-on working experience, it’s the relationships he’s formed with his colleagues that stands out thus far for Kooi.

“I really enjoy working alongside everyone and learning from them,” Kooi said. “They all have different ways of doing things, so I get to learn something new from each individual.”

A Summer Camp Reunion in November allowed Kooi to re-connect with Paul Ziegenhorn, TMA Board Chairman and President of Matrix, who introduced him to shop foreman Mike Martin. Kooi’s desire to have a career in manufacturing and not just a job was what ultimately won over Martin, who offered Kooi the internship and works closely with him at Matrix.

“The goal is for Zack to improve in his manufacturing skills and build upon the base that he formed in school,” Martin said. “The hope is that Zack will confirm his desire to continue a career in manufacturing. With this internship, Zack is learning the very skills he will continue to use should he choose to remain in the manufacturing industry.”