Of course, this is, broadly speaking, true for cars, because few of us are going to go into the car-making (or even car-repairing) business. But computers are not like cars. They are machines driven by software, and software is pure "thought-stuff", in other words, something that is accessible to anyone with the requisite curiosity, intelligence and talent. So while teenagers might not be able to make cars, they can certainly get into the software business, because the entry barrier is so low. All you need is imagination, talent, time and persistence. But it really helps if you're schooled in an environment that encourages tinkering and experimentation, rather than one which just preaches utilitarian use of information appliances with "no user-serviceable parts", as the saying goes.

Arduino kit is aimed at anyone who is interested in creating interactive objects or environments. It can monitor its environment by receiving input from sensors, and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The project has its own programming language and its own development environment - both of which are free. Devices built with Arduino boards can be stand-alone or can communicate with software running on "ordinary" computers. And like the predecessors of the BBC Micro, Arduino stuff can be built by hand or purchased preassembled. It's like a chemistry set for geeks, complete with mind-blowing explosives.

The only question is whether Michael Gove is up for it? Sadly, you only have to ask the question to know the answer.