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TOURS & TALKS

A national poll of teenagers conducted by Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) and the
Foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) revealed that 61
percent of teens have never set foot in a factory or other type of manufacturing facility.
This is unfortunate as industry tours have proven to be an effective mechanism in
exposing students to manufacturing. Tours also emphasize the importance of STEM
and its connections to manufacturing. Industry guest speakers are also very valuable
in addition to, or as an alternative to, tours (if tour logistics cannot be worked out).

TOURS: VALUE-ADDED EXPERIENCE

Face-to-face experiences provide students with a chance to see the application of
STEM subjects come to life in a high-tech world. Modern manufacturing industry
tours can be especially important for high school students, where they have the
opportunity to see, hear and learn about different jobs and careers that people
have in high-tech industries. For high school students, plant tours have the potential
to provide a “spark” to set off a future high-tech career and give them a point of contact
for summer jobs and internships. Industry employers hosting the tour have the chance
to make a connection not only with the teacher and students, but with the touring school
for recruiting, job shadowing and externship opportunities.

Virtual tours are a great way to prepare a class before a real tour, review after a tour or
serve as an alternative when a tour isn’t possible. There are many virtual tours available
online on company websites, or on outreach websites including FLATE’s “Made in Florida”
site www.madeinflorida.org. FLATE’s Industry Tours Best Practices guide is another
invaluable resource for both instructors taking tours, and industry professionals hosting
student tours in their facilities. This guide is available online at www.fl-ate.org as a virtual
flip book, or in print-ready format.

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