[throwawayboise]

I would dispute that the Scandinavian system does not have "interference from the state." The Scandinavian educational system seems more active at steering kids into career paths compared to the US model. From what I understand, kids are split into various vocational/college bound tracks after middle school based on grades and aptitude. In US high schools it seems that you're either college-bound, or a non-entity. If you're lucky your high school might have a vocational program which might have instruction in automotive repair, welding, or construction.