Industrial arts

Industrial arts is an educational program that features the fabrication of objects in wood or metal using a variety of hand, power, or machine tools.

It may include small engine repair and automobile maintenance, and all programs usually cover technical drawing as part of the curricula.

As an educational term, industrial arts dates from 1904 when Charles R. Richards of Teachers College, Columbia University, New York suggested it to replace manual training.

Clubs have grown out of the decline of industrial arts (aka shop class) programs in comprehensive school systems in the US.

This course also has areas that cover Home Economics concepts and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) content.

This organization releases a quarterly journal (on CD) and also runs an annual conference that investigates matters relevant to Industrial Arts education.

The IIATE has run some very successful training days called Hands-on Technology where teachers can build their skills and knowledge in a variety of areas.