Length of time commitment:

Company tours should run between 1-2 hours. Times of the tours will vary.

Most companies are able to offer some type of tour. A group tour is a guided event of a company that gives students an opportunity to learn more about industries, occupations and careers available within the area. Group tours are designed for students to observe the many different jobs within a company. Students learn that there are many technical skills required to perform jobs, as well as soft skills like teamwork, communication and other characteristics that make successful employees.

Objectives:

• To provide an interesting and informative career exploration experience

• To give students an inside look at an industry and a specific company

• To stress the importance of taking appropriate classes for success in different occupations

Benefits to the Company:

• Allows the company to showcase its products, services or work environment to potential future employees

• Provides insight to educators and students about the education and work skills needed in an industry

• Involves all company employees in the experience

• Provides an opportunity to build relationships with educators and schools

Expectations

After students have toured a company, they should have a good understanding of the types of jobs the company needs to provide its products and services, as well as an understanding of the requirements necessary for a career path within that industry.

Tips – Before the group tour:

• Work with the educator to assist with classroom preparation prior to the visit

• Decide what areas of the company will be part of the tour

• Include as many employees as possible in the tour to allow them to describe their jobs or explain the work process

• Assign sufficient staff to guide the group, with at least one staff for every 10 students

• Arrange for a question and answer period after the tour

• Provide dress attire requirements in writing to the school educator at least 10 days prior to the tour

• Develop a take-away packet, when possible, so students will have reference material after the tour

Tips – On the day of the group tour:

• Provide an overview of the day’s activities

• Review the necessary rules and regulations before the tour starts

• Make sure everyone understands safety precautions

• Use caution in areas with operating machinery or safety regulations

• If possible, take pictures for the company bulletin board and for the school’s newspaper or bulletin boards

Tips – Company Representative:

• Introduce yourself

• Help students understand the skills needed to do each job within the company

• Demonstrate and explain work methods, including hands-on and visual presentations

• Talk about communication, teamwork and employability skills such as attendance and punctuality