DAS North America recently visited MPACT

DAS North America Visits MPACT to Explore Future Workforce Development Partnership

Montgomery, Alabama>> DAS North America recently visited MPACT to gain a firsthand look at the innovative workforce development and industrial training programs being established to prepare the next generation of skilled employees.

The visit provided DAS leadership with an informative overview of MPACT’s broad hands-on learning environment, which extends far beyond the traditional vocational school model. MPACT is building practical industrial training programs specifically aligned with the growing needs of modern manufacturing and advanced industry.

During the walkthrough, DAS representatives observed strong instructional focus in several critical areas, including welding, maintenance, robotics, electrical systems, workplace safety, IT, medical response, fire response, digital learning, 6S, and overall work discipline. Each area is designed to give students practical exposure not only to technical trade skills, but also to workplace accountability, structure, and professional expectations.

“What stood out most during our visit was the practical nature of the training and the emphasis on real workplace readiness,” said Patrick Kurdziel, Plant Manager of DAS North America. “Today’s manufacturing environment requires more than technical skill alone. We need individuals who understand discipline, attendance, accountability, and how to function in an industrial setting. MPACT is clearly working to develop both.”

As manufacturers across the region continue to face workforce shortages and increasing demands for technically capable employees, partnerships between industry and education are becoming more critical than ever. DAS North America sees strong long-term potential in collaborating with programs like MPACT to help build sustainable local talent pipelines for maintenance, welding, robotics, and general manufacturing support positions.

By exposing students early to the expectations and opportunities within advanced manufacturing, MPACT is helping bridge the gap between education and industry while giving employers access to a more prepared and workforce-ready generation.

“After seeing this firsthand, it is clear MPACT has a great deal to offer,” Kurdziel added. “This is exactly the type of school-industry partnership that deserves continued exploration and investment. Building these relationships now can significantly benefit both students and employers in the years ahead.”