We are all referring to back in the day but now they have vocational / technical (vo-tech) schools where students spend part of their school day in academic classes and the rest learning a hand's on vocation.
My step-dad had me take a Drafting class in my Junior year of high school, of which I completely failed. I wasn't anywhere near the "mathematical" type, like he was. I also wasn't the "physical" kind, like he was. I did take Speech and Drama and absolutely loved it, as well as my Typing class. Had one job where I used a Drill Press and a Metal Cutter. Job only last a couple of weeks. Too greasy, oily and dirty for me!
I knew a Lithuanian man who lived in a house so small that he had to go outside to change his mind! Hal Come to think of it, I also took Drafting in Jr. High (1949), as well as Typing in High School. Wanna see my T-Square? Hal
If, back then, there would've been CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting), I'd probably would've done better. Want to know how fast I can type? It use to be 55 wpm (words per minute) was considered fast, but mine is close to 75 wpm. And, my wife on the 10-Key part of the keyboard.........well, look out, the lady can fly and be very, very accurate. Accountants and Financial Analyst have to be that fast.