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" the average shop teacher just CANNOT understand and teach the computer stuff that makes a car run today."

While it's true that the electronics in cars have changed the picture, they still have a heck of a lot of mechanical stuff in them. There's also a place for learning building trades, and for those kids who aren't college bound, some instruction during high school would seem to be a useful and productive use of their time.

There's a lot to be said for teaching them how to fix lawnmowers, or older cars that have simple push-rod design and antiquated carburetors.

The educational part comes with overcoming reluctance to "tear into" something, to see how components interact with each other, how to correctly tighten fasteners with a torque wrench, all sorts of things. The importance of good electrical grounds, etc etc. I've fixed countless items just by "fiddle-faddling" with them, the important thing is to get people out of the very un-Zen mentality of "Oh, it's broke, better buy a new one or spend $$$$ paying someone to repair it.