Artemas native Sarah Foster received her first on-the-job experience while still in high school - and that experience was all it took to help set her career path. While a senior at Everett Area High School enrolled in the Bedford County Tech Center's Data Processing program, she spent a semester working in Kennametal's human resources department on a cooperative education placement. "It was a great experience and really helped me see what working in a business like this entailed," she said. She was invited back for a summer internship while she attended Allegany College of Maryland, worked part-time while in school, and eventually worked her way into her current position as a product review specialist. "Whenever a new product or revision comes through, we're the first step to managing it through the manufacturing process," she said. "We review the estimates and make sure all the correct procedures are followed. Our goal is to get the product into production with as little lead time as possible." Sarah is now enrolled in an accelerated program to receive her bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management through Geneva College. As long as she earns at least a "B," the company pays her costs through its tuition reimbursement program. "I love working here; Kennametal has provided me with great opportunities to advance and improve my skills. Looking back, my co-op in high school was certainly a valuable experience!"

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