In the May 17 Columbian the article about building the workforce of tomorrow brought back some good memories. During my high school years in the late 1950s, I was fortunate to be able to take classes in wood shop, foundry, machine shop and architectural drawing.
During my working years, about 25 were spent working on drill presses, engine and turret lathes, milling machines and various other machine tools. I was able to help make parts for meat-packing equipment, jet aircraft, early missile bodies and steam-generating companies.
All of this was accomplished before I owned a computer.
Sadly, the school I attended no longer offers this type of class. It seems as though those who know how to do the work are no longer needed.