Students Gain Hands-on Insight into Advanced Manufacturing at ADP

Students enrolled in the Grenada School District-Holmes Community College Advanced Manufacturing program recently toured the Advanced Distributor Products (ADP) manufacturing plant in Grenada, MS. Students enjoyed an in-depth look at modern manufacturing processes and the career opportunities available in the industry.

Led by ADP host Angela Blissett (ADP Human Resources) students observed demonstrations of the training new employees undergo before working on the plant floor. They also learned about ADP’s copper and aluminum tubing process, which is essential in the production of evaporator coils used in HVAC systems. A highlight of the tour was an inside look at lean manufacturing processes and how they ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in every step of production.

“The opportunity for our students to see the positive outcomes of the training that they are experiencing, as well as the value skilled employees bring to our community is invaluable. Getting to be involved in this learning process is not only beneficial to me and these students, but also industry in Grenada as a whole.” said Kyle Doolittle, GSD Innovation Mentor and History Teacher. 

Students, all of whom previously completed the welding and brazing program at the Grenada Career Tech Center, gained a greater appreciation for the range of skills embedded in advanced manufacturing, including forklift operation, welding, brazing, resource management, PLCs, recycling, and workplace safety. Building on their foundational skills, they were able to see firsthand how these technical abilities are applied in a real-world manufacturing environment. Throughout the visit, ADP employees shared their experiences and provided valuable insights into career paths within the company, reinforcing the connection between their training and future job opportunities.

Plant Manager Duncan Dees joined the group to answer questions and encourage students to consider the expanding career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

“We want students to see that advanced manufacturing offers more than just jobs—it offers long-term, progressive career opportunities,” said Dees. “There are pathways here in Grenada that can lead to great futures in manufacturing, engineering, and beyond.”

This experience helped students connect classroom learning to real-world industry applications, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions about careers, training, and college pathways. As the Advanced Manufacturing program continues to grow, opportunities like this will remain vital in preparing students for the workforce of the future.