How it all got started

[Papa Smurf]

My own introduction to the wonders of the engineering world also started with Meccano, and holding things for my Dad in his workshop. At the time he was studying to become a medical specialist (Ophthalmology). He burglar-proofed our home because he had to go overseas to do his specialist examinations, and I held the bucking bar for the rivetting. Once he had qualified he was able to indulge himself and assembled one of the best-equipped home workshops I know of, and this was all available to me as a schoolboy.
At highschool we had 2 years of Woodwork, followed by 2 years of Metalwork as an option. Our teacher recognised my interest, and while the others built various items of furniture for their woodwork projects, he assisted me to build a small sailboat. Similarly in Metalwork, I was allowed to make a photographic enlarger. I went on to an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner, and followed that with the necessary studies and examinations to qualify as a mechanical engineer when I was 30.
Sadly, our education system no longer provides those opportunities, and I bought my shaper from a school - the shaper had been unused for some 15 years.