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Tours: Value-added Experience Face-to-face experiences provide students with a chance to see the application of STEM sub- jects 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 stu- dents, 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. Showcasing Florida Career Industry partners are in the best position to answer Opportunities the questions that today’s students (and parents) want answered. Dispelling the myth that manufac- xWhat kinds of jobs? turing jobs are “dirty,” monotonous and unfulfilling xHow much do they pay? is of paramount importance. Industry partners are xWhere are they located? key to achieving this goal and providing a “real” xWhat skills are needed? picture of the high wages and exciting careers that modern manufacturing offers. 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 some company websites, or collected together on a number of outreach websites including FLATE’s “Made in Flori- da” site: www.madeinflorida.org. FLATE’s Industry Tours Best Practices guide is another invaluable re- source 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 vir- tual flip book, or in a print-ready format. 9