Invigorate students’ career goals with these nine engaging hands-on opportunities that put them in real-world scenarios
By Juliana DeFillipo, Contributing Writer
As of 2024, over 90% of U.S. schools offered Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Once a controversial aspect of education, CTE is now widely recognized as essential in preparing students for success. Whether you’re introducing students to different career paths or helping them build industry-ready skills, few opportunities are as impactful as career-oriented field trips.
Hands-on experiences bring learning to life, sparking curiosity and motivation while connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications. Here are some of the best career-oriented field trips in the Southeast that will inspire your students.
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Aerospace & Innovation
Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral, FL)
Students can step into the role of a NASA astronaut at Kennedy Space Center, a legendary launch site. Guided tours showcase authentic spacecraft and key milestones in space exploration, while interactive programs meet national STEM standards. The Mars Base 1 simulation challenges students to solve problems on another planet, and the Astronaut Training Experience uses simulation technology to prepare them for spaceflight. Few destinations offer such a rich blend of history, science, and innovation.
Boeing DreamLearners (North Charleston, SC)
Ideal for fifth graders and STEM-focused groups, Boeing’s DreamLearners program introduces students to careers in engineering and air travel. Factory tours, Q&A sessions with professionals, and guided STEM activities encourage collaboration and critical thinking. For schools unable to visit in person, Boeing offers virtual programs, classroom activities, and its Speakers Bureau, which connects students directly with industry professionals.
Manufacturing & Engineering Marvels
Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Plant (Vance, AL)
Founded in Alabama in 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Plant is the perfect Southeast staple to introduce your students to careers in manufacturing and engineering. This state-of-the-art plant supplies vehicles worldwide, and students aged 12+ can watch the manufacturing process up close on a factory tour. Younger students can visit the interactive Visitor Center, where exhibits highlight the company’s origins, technological evolution, and potential future models. The experience reveals how creativity and technical skill intersect in modern manufacturing, providing an inspiring look at engineering careers.
BMW Zentrum Museum & Plant (Greer, SC)
Students can explore BMW’s story at the BMW Zentrum Museum & Plant, from the company’s earliest vehicles to cutting-edge models. A plant tour reveals how BMW X models are assembled and introduces students to technical fields such as battery assembly, robotics, and eco-friendly paint processes. The visit highlights the precision, innovation, and variety of careers in the automotive industry while providing a clear understanding of real-world applications of the knowledge they gain.
Health & Biomedical Frontlines
CDC Museum (Atlanta, GA)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a critical role in global health. The CDC Museum offers guided tours exploring its history, temporary exhibitions, pathogen research, and health equity initiatives. Renowned for its efforts during public health emergencies, the museum is an excellent opportunity to introduce your students to a career path that will both challenge and fulfill them. Each guided tour includes Q&A time and independent exploration, helping students see the real-world impact of careers in healthcare and public health initiatives. The Health Equity Tour, for example, highlights disparities in healthcare access and the CDC’s efforts to mitigate them.
Finance, Logistics & Big Data
Atlanta Federal Reserve Monetary Museum (Atlanta, GA)
A field trip to the Federal Reserve Monetary Museum not only teaches your students about possible careers in finance and economics but also expands their knowledge of the key role this institution plays in their lives. This museum introduces students to careers in economics and finance while explaining the Federal Reserve’s role in everyday life. The museum has an exhibit that takes visitors through the history of money and how it has evolved over time. Your students will also learn about banking and get a chance to look inside the vault, where technology helps manage vast amounts of money daily—an eye-opening look into careers in finance.
Port of Savannah Harbor Cruise (Savannah, GA)
This immersive look into how a busy port functions gets your class out on the water. Join an experienced captain on a Port of Savannah Harbor Cruise for a tour of the port that includes snippets of the city’s rich history. Your students can see massive cargo ships up close and learn about the variety of boats needed for a functioning port. There’s no better way to inspire students to picture themselves in a career than putting them directly into the action. On this boat tour, students witness firsthand how one of the busiest ports in the nation operates. Alongside lessons in global trade and logistics, the experience also ties into Savannah’s deeply-rooted maritime history.
Aviation & Marine Sciences
Delta Flight Museum (Atlanta, GA)
Explore the past and present of one of the country’s most well-known airlines with your class on a trip to the Delta Flight Museum. With a variety of planes spanning the company’s history, from its origins in agriculture to its status today, this museum makes for an ideal southeastern career field trip. Step into the cockpit of the first 747 and explore history in the massive hangars, which display important models from throughout Delta’s legacy. This museum traces Delta’s rise from crop-dusting to one of the world’s leading airlines. With access to knowledgeable guides and hands-on exploration, students gain insight into engineering, aviation and innovation firsthand.
Georgia Aquarium Career Day / STEAM Outreach (Atlanta, GA)
The Georgia Aquarium connects students to careers in marine science through on-site programs and classroom outreach. Aquarium representatives can visit schools to lead interactive presentations, some including animal encounters. Programs are tailored by grade level and align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence. “Overboard for Oceanography,” for instance, introduces middle and high schoolers to the work of oceanographers and conservationists.
Know Before You Go
When planning a career-oriented trip, consider these key questions:
- Are there age limits for participation?
- Does the program align with state standards?
- Is bus parking available?
- Can groups purchase or bring lunch on-site?
- Are security screenings required?
Look for destinations that connect directly to your curriculum and statewide standards, such as Next Generation Science Standards, FBLA, or HOSA. With thoughtful planning, these experiences provide students with eye-opening insights into future career paths—making the classroom-to-career connection both exciting and memorable.
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