High school shop classes are experiencing a resurgence as educators adapt to the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market. Schools across the United States are integrating traditional skills like woodworking and welding with advanced training on automated machinery.
Middleton High School in Wisconsin recently invested $90 million to enhance its facilities, including a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab featuring computer-controlled robot arms. This modernization has sparked increased interest in shop classes, with about a quarter of the school’s 2,300 students enrolling in construction, manufacturing, or woodworking courses.
Vocational training is becoming more appealing as college tuition rates rise and concerns about AI displacing white-collar jobs grow. In Houston, the Spring Branch Independent School District approved a $381.6 million bond to support career technical education (CTE) facilities, leading to a 9 percent increase in enrollment in vocational programs over the past four years.
Educators emphasize that manual labor positions are not only high-skill but also high-wage jobs, making them attractive alternatives to traditional college paths. As these trends continue, shop classes may play a crucial role in preparing students for a changing workforce.
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