There was a time when every high school student had the chance to build something with their hands. Woodshop, auto tech, welding, drafting—these weren't just electives; they were life skills. But over the past few decades, traditional shop classes slowly disappeared, replaced by standardized test prep and college-track courses.

Now, with the U.S. facing a critical shortage of skilled labor, there's a growing movement to bring shop class back. And not just as an afterthought or an extracurricular program—but back into the regular school day, inside high school buildings, where it used to thrive.

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What “Bring Shop class back in schools” really means

Can you believe this? The last time we saw shop class as a normal part of everyday high school life was... decades ago.

In fact, you'd have to go back 20, 30—even 40 years to find a time when nearly every school had a shop room buzzing with table saws, welders, and socket wrenches.

Shop class used to be a staple of the American high school experience—especially in the 1950s through the 1980s. Nearly every school had a workshop where students could learn carpentry, auto mechanics, or metalworking. But starting in the late 1980s and accelerating through the 1990s and early 2000s, these programs began to disappear.

Why? A few key reasons:

Budget cuts made it difficult for schools to maintain expensive equipment and facilities.
Standardized testing and college-prep pressure pushed schools to prioritize academic subjects over hands-on learning.
A cultural shift labeled trades as a backup plan instead of a legitimate first choice. Learn more at: This Bias Blocks Youth from Skilled Trades—Here’s How to Change It
Liability concerns and rising insurance costs made districts wary of tool-heavy classrooms.
And as technology entered the classroom, traditional shop classes were often replaced by digital electives.

By the early 2000s, what used to be a standard part of the high school experience had become a rarity. And with that, an entire generation of students missed out on learning the kinds of skills that built America.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about promoting trade school after high school. It’s about making hands-on technical education available to students during high school, in the same buildings where they take math and history. It’s about giving teenagers a chance to learn how to weld, wire, and build before they graduate—skills they can use immediately or take further.

We don’t have a worker shortage. We have a shop class shortage.

The U.S. isn’t running out of jobs—it’s running out of people who know how to do them. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are approximately 7.7 million job openings in the U.S. and 7 million unemployed individuals. That’s fewer than one available worker per job—and in manufacturing, that shortfall could stall production, delay reshoring, and derail billions in investment.

In the manufacturing sector, the need is especially urgent. The median age of U.S. manufacturing workers is approximately 44 years old, based on the BLS report. This reflects a seasoned—and aging—workforce, and with retirements accelerating, the clock is ticking to bring in younger talent before the skills gap widens beyond repair.

Some states are stepping up, and it could change the future of manufacturing as we know it.

Mike Rowe, an Emmy award-winning TV host and narrator best known for the Discovery Channel series Dirty Jobs, has become a leading advocate for the skilled trades. Through his mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he has awarded millions in scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in the trades and has been a vocal proponent of reintroducing shop class into schools.

As Rowe recently highlighted states like New Hampshire, North Dakota, and South Dakota are bringing back shop class—and reigniting the skilled trades in the process. It’s not just a feel-good story. It’s a sign that the U.S. is finally waking up to a workforce crisis years in the making.

“They’ve got a giant campaign to get shop class back in schools,” Mike Rowe said. “And it’s working.”

Shop Class Comebacks: Where It's Already Happening

Some school districts are leading the way by reviving and modernizing shop class:

Onekama Consolidated Schools (Michigan)
After a four-year pause, they reopened a fully-equipped workshop with a CNC router, laser engraver, and SawStop table saw. High school and middle school students now rotate through classes that teach them real building skills.
Civic Memorial High School (Illinois)
The school introduced courses like Woodworking, Architectural Drafting, and Trades Apprenticeship as part of its elective offerings, giving students early exposure to trade pathways.
Fairfax High School (Virginia)
Through its Academy program, students can take Carpentry and Auto Tech courses right on campus, earning certifications and building real-world skills before graduation.

These programs aren’t just teaching kids how to use tools. They’re teaching problem-solving, collaboration, and pride in tangible work.

What Does a Career in the Trades Look Like Today?

It’s time to break the stigma: the trades aren’t a fallback—they’re a fast track.

Apprenticeships can lead to certifications in under two years.
Starting wages often exceed $20/hour, with experienced workers earning $30–$40/hour or more.
Career paths include roles like foreman, supervisor, or even business owner.
With the rise of automation and smart manufacturing, today’s tradespeople are also learning to work with cutting-edge technology.

How Do We Bring Shop Class Back?

If shop class disappeared because of budget cuts, college pressure, and liability fears, then bringing it back means we have to reverse those trends—intentionally and strategically. But in today’s world, there’s a new challenge to consider: rapid advances in AI and automation.

Some might argue that these technologies make traditional shop skills obsolete. But the truth is, they’re making those skills more relevant than ever. The shop class of the future doesn’t just teach how to use a wrench—it teaches how to program a CNC machine, wire a smart home, or troubleshoot a robot on the factory floor.

So how do we do it?

Invest in facilities and equipment: Schools need funding to build or refurbish workshops and buy tools—including modern equipment like 3D printers, robotics kits, and digital design tools.
Reframe the value of trades: We need to stop treating vocational education like a fallback. That starts with messaging—from school boards, counselors, employers, and parents—that shows students trade careers are just as valuable as college paths.
Train and hire skilled instructors: The talent gap applies to teachers, too. We need to support career-switchers from the trades and make it easier for them to get certified to teach.
Strengthen CTE programs and partnerships: Schools that can’t run full programs on their own can still partner with regional CTE centers, local employers, or community colleges to give students access to high-tech, high-skill training.
Reduce red tape and liability barriers: Modern safety equipment, proper training, and clear protocols can ease concerns about injury or risk—and open the door to safer, smarter shop programs.

Bringing shop class back in the age of AI means reimagining it—not as a throwback, but as a launchpad into the skilled, tech-enabled trades of tomorrow.

Shop class won’t come back everywhere overnight—but it can come back where there’s vision, community support, and the will to rebuild.

Watch the video:The Golden Age of America Starts Here

Want to Be Part of the Skilled Trades Revival?

Whether you’re hiring, training, or just thinking about your next career move—there’s something you can do right now:

Employers: Partner with a staffing agency that specializes in manufacturing and skilled trades. Don’t wait for the labor gap to widen—start building your workforce pipeline now.
Talk to Timpl, today.
Job Seekers: There’s real opportunity in skilled trades. Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or looking for stability without student debt, we can help connect you with hands-on roles in welding, assembly, machine operation, and more. Find your next job with Timpl
Community Leaders and Educators: Keep pushing to bring shop class back. Support CTE programs. Highlight local success stories. When we treat trade work with the respect it deserves, more students and parents will take notice.

This isn’t just about jobs. It’s about rebuilding the middle class—one trade at a time.

Want job security? Learn a trade.

Want to rebuild America? Hire one.

Why Shop Class Revival Matters for U.S. Manufacturing