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Practicing teachers can do an industry externship in a manufacturing company during the
summer to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of their teaching field and how it
translates into skills their students will need to excel in manufacturing careers. Externships
may also provide faculty with opportunities to explore new content areas for curricula
development and/or student workforce readiness and career preparation. They are great
vehicles to give teachers real-world experiences that they can provide to students while
also giving companies extra help during summer months.

STUDENT / FACULTY MENTORING

This high intensity, long-term, one-on-one strategy is very effective in preparing students
for any workforce. Mentors are important for students (especially girls, women and
minorities in non-traditional career paths) and faculty participating in or pursuing
STEM careers. For manufacturing, mentoring can make a huge difference for students
gaining knowledge about the field, dispelling myths, as well as developing self-confidence.
Mentoring can be one-to-one or can be formalized through a class, teacher or school.
Institutions can tap into online mentoring programs that virtually connect industry
professionals to students (Example: www.mentorNet.org).

ADVISORY BOARD PARTICIPATION / CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Every technical, career or occupational school program should be driven by an active
Industry Advisory Board. Industry’s participation in advisory boards or committees
is valuable in assisting educators design, implement and evaluate programs.
Through these committees, industry partners, with their experience and expertise, help
tailor curricula to current industry needs and infuse specialized skills set beyond the
traditional curriculum. Industry partners can request new topics like emerging technologies
or more background practice in fundamental skills. Frequently a team of industry experts
might provide content material to educators who develop lessons and learning activities.
Industry would then review the newly developed material before it is used in classrooms.

Additionally, an industry partner might teach new topics as a guest lecturer. Although
curriculum may be a focal point of Industry Advisory Boards and committees, members
are called on to participate in recruitment events, host plant tours, arrange student work
experience and other activities. Advisory board participation provides opportunities for
industry members, educators and students to build strong, sustainable and powerful
partnerships to support and increase student success.

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