Well in the 80s many of us got an introduction to programming with BASIC/PASCAL/Logo/etc. many didn't do anything with it, though there are a good number that can attest that that education put them in the tech industry.

So I think like most other school vocational classes, it gives the students exposure to the concept, which might let them pursue a career or not - or at the very least be understanding about the technology and/or process..