- NextStar Energy is named 2025 Co-op Employer of the Year by the University of Windsor.
- NextStar Energy Manager Krista Ammonite is named Outstanding Supervisor.
- Since 2024, NextStar Energy has had over 80 co-op students from six universities in Ontario, taking the lead in developing a talent pipeline for the battery manufacturing sector.
WINDSOR, ON, April 1, 2026 – NextStar Energy proudly announces it has been named 2025 Co-op Employer of the Year, with one of its managers named Outstanding Supervisor by the University of Windsor. This recognition demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing the next generation of talent in Canada’s new battery manufacturing sector.
Through its growing co-operative education program, NextStar Energy is creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience at the country’s first and only commercial-scale battery manufacturing facility. The program aims to grow and develop Windsor’s growing workforce by preparing students for specialized jobs in the growing battery manufacturing sector.
“By investing in highly skilled local students, we’re creating a strong talent pipeline and laying the foundation for NextStar Energy’s long-term growth and success,” said Brett Hillock, Chief Operating Officer of NextStar Energy. “Our co-op students have a rare opportunity to experience some of the most advanced battery technology in an environment where they can learn, grow, and contribute to our daily operations as part of the team.”
This award recognizes an employer who has made a significant and lasting impact on the University of Windsor student community by providing engaging work terms within a dynamic, innovative, and supportive environment.
“What’s stood out to us is how quickly NextStar Energy has embraced co‑op as a true partnership,” said Kerri Zold, Manager of Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships at the University of Windsor. “In a relatively short amount of time, they’ve grown their involvement with our programs and consistently provided students with meaningful work, strong mentorship, and a genuinely welcoming environment. Their commitment to developing co‑op talent speaks volumes about how they value learning and the future workforce. We’re really proud to work with them and to recognize the positive impact they’re having on our students.”
NextStar Energy is especially proud to recognize Krista Ammonite, Continuous Improvement Manager, who has been named Outstanding Supervisor by the University for the 2025 winter term. She is recognized for outstanding leadership in mentoring the next generation of talent and her dedication to hands-on learning.
NextStar Energy has had over 80 co-op students from six different universities across Southwestern Ontario since it began its program in Spring 2024. Several students have returned for more terms, and three have been hired full-time since graduating. The company will begin its 7th cohort of co-op students in May, welcoming 41 new students for the summer term.