Connect with the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent

BAMA is partnering with Workforce Development Partners (WDP) and its Future Career Academy to connect Hillsborough County graduating seniors with local manufacturers through Business Tour Field Trips.

Workforce Development Partners’ mission is to prepare and connect students to the great jobs and training opportunities in their community, with the goal of ensuring every student graduates with a clear and actionable plan for post-graduation success through employment, enlistment, enrollment, or entrepreneurship.

Together, BAMA and WDP are inviting local manufacturers to open their doors to students in January and February 2027 for a Manufacturing Business Tour Field Trip.

This is an opportunity to give students an inside look at manufacturing, introduce them to entry-level career opportunities they may not know exist, and help them see a future for themselves in the industry.

What’s Involved?

Business Tour Dates: WDP will host seven Business Tour Field Trip days across Hillsborough County. The location of your facility will help determine which tour date is the best fit.

• ·       South Hillsborough: January 20, 2027
• ·       Plant City: January 22, 2027
• ·       NW Hillsborough: January 27, 2027
• ·       East Hillsborough: January 29, 2027
• ·       East Tampa: February 3, 2027
• ·       NE Hillsborough: February 5, 2027
• ·       Central & South Tampa: February 10, 2027

What Does a Business Tour Look Like?

• ·       Each participating bus will visit three diverse businesses throughout the day — two morning stops, a lunch break, and one afternoon visit. You’ll have the opportunity to host 1, 2, or 3 groups on your Business Tour day.
• ·       Each bus will bring up to 50 graduating seniors, and businesses will host students for approximately one hour. We have three available time slots for student visits: 9:15 am - 10:15 am, 10:35 am - 11:35 am, 1:40 pm - 2:40 pm.
• ·       During your visit, companies can give students a behind-the-scenes look at their facility, introduce them to different careers within manufacturing, share information about entry-level opportunities and training pathways, and help students understand what it takes to build a career in the industry.
• ·       This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with young adults who are actively considering their next steps after high school.

Why Participate? Showcase Your Industry

Give students an inside look at modern manufacturing and the technology, innovation, and careers that power our community.

Connect with Future Talent

Introduce your company and career opportunities to graduating seniors who are preparing to enter the workforce, pursue additional training, or continue their education.

Highlight Career Pathways

Help students understand the variety of careers available in manufacturing — from production and skilled trades to engineering, technology, logistics, management, and more.

Build Awareness in Your Community

Play a role in educating students, educators, and families about the critical role manufacturing plays in our local economy.

Inspire the Next Generation

A one-hour visit can change a student's perspective on what a career in manufacturing can look like.

Support & Coordination

The BAMA Workforce Development Committee and Workforce Development Partners will coordinate the Business Tour experience and work with participating manufacturers to determine the best tour date and help prepare for the student visit.

How to Get Involved

Interested in hosting a group of graduating seniors at your facility? Register through BAMA or contact us to learn more: 727-536-5809

Let's work together to inspire, educate, and connect the next generation of manufacturers with the careers that will shape our community.