The automotive sector will spearhead the government's See inside Manufacturing campaign that aims to inspire youngsters into careers in the sector through factory visits.
Thirty five car firms including BMW, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover will open their doors to youngsters this October.
Tours will be attended by pupils, teachers and career advisors under the scheme, which will be extended to other manufacturing sectors in 2012, DBIS confirmed.
Tours will include a Q&A with automotive apprentices and a vehicle assembly and testing demonstrations.
Business secretary Vince Cable said: "Anyone who visits the research labs or production facilities that drive our economy cannot fail to be impressed. This initiative will give thousands of school pupils and their teachers an experience they may never forget."
Minister for manufacturing Mark Prisk added:"Today teachers and careers advisers across the country will get a unique opportunity to see the excitement and sense of achievement that careers in industry could bring to young people in their working lives."
Cable and Prisk will launch the campaign with tours of automotive plants including BMW Mini in Oxford and catalyst manufacturer Johnson Matthey in Royston.