That would have been invaluable experience.
“I wish I had taken the carpentry and bricklaying classes my school offered. Not only were you taught the basic skills, but you got to build foundations and framing for real houses—and you could start the classes as a freshman.”
Thankfully, our local school never stopped the “shop” classes. The high school students even built the new green houses for agriculture club. The Ag club grows tomato plants from seedlings during the school year and has a tomato plant sale each spring. I believe the shop students also built the storage building for the football team’s gear.
As those students get older and start a family, simple household repairs will come easy to them. Many will find a aptitude and joy in woodwork and end up making carpentry a career.
As I said, I’m glad to see shop classes return. Hopefully, there are enough experienced tradesmen willing to fill the need.