This was strictly for the boys, who studied subjects like woodwork, car maintenance and bricklaying.

Woodwork involved well-crafted, finely detailed joinery with emphasis on accuracy and thorough planing of the wood. Boys made two items such as a stool, bookcase or paper rack and also completed part of a more complicated project, like a chair.

In the 1960s, 95% of cars were made in the UK, compared to 20% now. Boys would learn basic engineering through working on old bangers and might also construct their own cars and learn to drive.

Twice as many houses were being built in the 1960s as now, so there was a big demand for skilled brickies. Teaching was very practical and boys would use theodolites and other professional tools to design and build a simple structure such as a hut.

Job prospects: Car factory, bricklayer, carpenter, joiner, plumber

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Currently, in GNVQ foundation construction and the built environment, pupils study crafts such as brickwork, painting, carpentry and plastering. This subject is being withdrawn in 2006 because of a drop in candidate numbers and there are no plans to replace it.

In GCSE design and technology (resistant materials), pupils use wood, metal and plastics to design and make two items such as a coffee table or CD rack.

In GCSE applied engineering, pupils design and make an engineered product such as an automatic security bollard to prevent cars being used to break into shops, or a supermarket advertising board which can display ads in sequence.

Job prospects: Engineer, product designer