A navy blue suit, a briefcase and a corner office with a window. It seems that's what many high schools encourage students to strive toward. These youngsters view themselves as lawyers, certified public accountants, human resource professionals or advertising executives. Few look out the windows of their algebra class and fantasize about becoming a precision machinist. However, precision machinists, who earn $30,000 to $80,000 a year, are the second highest paying job group in the U.S. economy, and half of all college graduates will never earn as much. "What's Up In Factories?" has made real inroads in public education to acquaint students and teachers with the new world of manufacturing and the opportunities it presents. Participating manufacturers, teachers and students have given the program high marks and are eager for more materials to further the project's aims and encourage students to consider manufacturing careers. "The world of high-tech manufacturing offers a broad range of employment opportunities that can be both challenging and rewarding," remarks Ken McGill, Director, Human Resources for Fujitsu Network Transmission Systems, which has participated in "What's Up In Factories?" In addition to higher than expected pay and challenging high tech work, those who choose manufacturing careers are likely to find themselves in problem-solving and quality circles, self-managed work teams and total quality management teams, according to a recent survey by Paul Osterman, professor of human resources and management at MIT. And employee participation seems to be improving the bottom line. According to a University of Michigan study, companies that allow employee participation out-perform traditionally managed companies in such key areas as profitability and growth - two to one. "As the United States continues to build a strong manufacturing presence again, it is critical to encourage our youth to develop their educational and training plans toward that sector of the economy," said Fujitsu's McGill.