<![CDATA[Vocational High Schools (SMK) play a strategic role in preparing graduates with competencies that meet the needs of the business and industrial sectors. However, the implementation of practical training—particularly in welding and metal fabrication—faces various challenges, such as limited practical facilities, constraints on instructional time, and the suboptimal application of real-product-based learning. Consequently, students often grasp procedural aspects but lack comprehensive experience in integrating technical skills into manufacturing processes that mirror actual industrial conditions. To address these issues, a Community Service Program (PKM) organized training on the design and prototyping of a helmet rack made from square bar steel for students at SMKN 12 Tangerang, Banten. This product was selected for its functional value, relatively simple manufacturing process, and ability to comprehensively represent the stages of design and production. The activity was conducted in two phases. The first phase, held on May 23, 2025, involved lectures on market research, ergonomics, product development, and design process case studies. The second phase consisted of hands-on practice at the Guna Jaya Welding Workshop, covering needs identification, design drafting, material measurement and cutting, assembly, welding, grinding, and finishing. The activity resulted in the creation of five helmet rack prototypes that were minimalist, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing. Adopting a real-product-based learning approach provided a learning experience that was more contextual and closely aligned with industrial practices. Through this activity, participants not only enhanced their technical skills but also strengthened their understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS), the importance of teamwork, and product quality control. Evaluation results indicated that all participants (100%) understood the importance of market research, ergonomics, workshop equipment usage, manufacturing processes, OHS implementation, and collaboration in product manufacturing. Furthermore, 93.3% of participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the product design process, while 6.7% required further study of the material. The high level of participant satisfaction demonstrates that the combination of lectures, demonstrations, mentoring, and hands-on practice was effective in enhancing knowledge, technical skills, and work attitudes aligned with the needs of the business and industrial sectors]]>
