This manual provides curriculum materials for implementing a career exploration class in manufacturing occupations within a Practical Arts Education program for middle/junior high school students. Introductory materials include the program master sequence, a list of manufacturing occupations, an overview of the competency-based instructional system for practical arts, and narration for a slide-tape presentation. The instructor's guide to the learning activities contains guide sheets for each task assignment sheet; these guide sheets present objectives, attitudes and values to be developed, checkout activities, recommended references and audiovisuals, notes and suggestions for instruction, and references and necessary tools and equipment. Master copies of learning activities are included. Appendixes include a vocabulary listing, a list of practical arts videotapes, a list of references appropriate for career exploration, and ideas for addressing students with special needs. The 11 student task assignment sheets are also included. Each contains the following components: an introduction, objectives, learning activities, checkout activities, vocabulary, instruction sheets, and a copy of the instructor's final checklist. Tasks are provided for five families of manufacturing occupations: industrial processes, materials, production, research and development, and management. (YLB)