More investment needed in shop classes in schools, says FMW Fasteners survey

According to the latest business survey from FMW Fasteners, an online provider of anchor products, nuts, bolts, socket products, and screws based in Houston, its customers are calling for more investment in shop classes.

Seventy percent of the 300 survey participants said there's not enough emphasis in the curriculum on shop classes in schools, with more than 60 percent saying there should be more investment in shop classes and 60 percent saying that investment has dropped when compared to 10 years ago. Customers are calling for shop classes to be protected with retiring teachers replaced.

“Shop paves the way to a better understanding of applied maths and science. It can inspire invention and contribute to the creative arts—it underpins the English curriculum by ensuring students communicate and articulate instructions,” said Steve Baker, marketing director, FMW. “There's a real value in investing in our future craftsmen and -women, yet it's seen as a dying subject in our schools. This is shortsighted and has to be addressed.”