industrial arts

Industrial arts is an umbrella term used in the late 20th century to describe an educational program which featured fabrication of objects in wood and/or metal using a variety of hand, power, or machine tools. Many also cover topics such as small engine repair and automobile maintenance.

Also known as "shop class", these programs exposed children to the basics of home repair, manual craftsmanship, and machine safety. Most industrial arts programs were established in comprehensive rather than dedicated vocational schools and focused on a broad range of skills rather than on a specific vocational activity.

Some colleges have doctoral programs in the Industrial Arts.

Industrial arts clubs

An industrial arts club is an organization that promotes the use of industrial fabrication equipment by the general public. Clubs have grown out of the decline of industrial arts (aka shop class) programs in comprehensive school systems in the US.

Clubs may offer class to adults and children and may offer unstructured access to the machine shop to members who have been properly trained. These clubs are often a hub for related clubs and organizations that can benefit from a common set of machine tools.

Clubs began as student organizations in primary and secondary schools offering industrial arts programs. An movement to bring commercial versions of the concept to adults and the general public can be seen in new business ventures such as Sparqs Industrial Arts Club based in Massachusetts which grew out of campus activities at MIT.

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