Florida State University’s Institute of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) workforce development team has designed and launched free virtual tours showcasing advanced manufacturing along the Gulf Coast, featuring Fort Walton Machining as one of two highlighted companies.
- The tours are designed in a digital “choose your own adventure” style for an engaging and interactive experience in both additive and subtractive manufacturing.
The first InSPIRE node in Panama City, Maritech Machine, is highlighted in one virtual tour, while Fort Walton Machining is featured in the second tour.
The tours provide opportunities for students and the broader community to explore advancements in manufacturing throughout Northwest Florida in greater depth.
During the Maritech tour, students gain behind-the-scenes access to additive manufacturing technologies and learn how these innovations are shaping the future.
The Fort Walton Machining tour guides students through subtractive manufacturing processes that are currently creating critical parts for projects like the Artemis rocket, highlighting the precision and expertise required in today’s manufacturing landscape.
“These InSPIRE manufacturing partners are at the forefront of leading regional resiliency efforts while addressing critical national challenges that can strengthen our economic foundation for future generations,” said Carrie Meyers, director of InSPIRE’s Education and Workforce Talent. “We hope these resources will stimulate student interest in these exciting innovations in advanced manufacturing and help students connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.”
- Both tours feature industry experts discussing career pathways in advanced manufacturing and emphasizing the importance of integrity and work ethic, two durable skills essential for success in many industries today.
To further support learning, each tour includes optional “skill gauges” with comprehension questions that allow students to check their understanding at two different levels of knowledge, as well as downloadable interdisciplinary activities available for beginners to advanced learners.
These virtual tours are free resources for regional teachers and can be accessed through CPALMS, an online resource created and developed by the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at the Learning Systems Institute within Florida State University.
Fort Walton Machining is a recognized leader in the manufacturing and assembly of custom designed, precision machined parts. The precision contract machining company specializes in complex, high-tech, high quality, specification intensive manufacturing. Its customer base ranges from defense and aerospace to medical and commercial industries.
The company has been in operation since 1987 and currently employs over 210 dedicated professionals. The company also offers design and support engineering, reverse engineering, suggestions for improvements and cost reduction, and production feasibility studies.
