[lapsedacademic]

they're asking why academic courses and more hands-on practical/technical courses can't be mixed?

I think they did answer this: it's because hands-on practical/technical skills are hard to learn and people who can teach them are generally expensive.

[ghaff]

I'd add that while a full certification is quite hard to learn and takes a lot of time, schools absolutely have hands on courses. I have a mechanical engineering degree and two of my courses were very hands on with machine shop and building something for a contest.

[ClumsyPilot]

Education is also expensive, arguably what the hell are we paying for then?