Yes, it is.

For one, most of the engineers should have a "feeling" to be able to safely handle the "unseen" dangers. They should have the ability to plan and have certain responsibility.

I suppose, engineering is "real life". You are right that the resto of people won't get often exposed to this sort of experience, nevertheless these skills are still useful for the unforeseable cases.

And, even the experience of committing a minor "crime" and being punished in some way, is valuable, especially if it is ultimately waived as for youngsters.

JW

PS. I never made bombs, but been quite deep in various chemistry - thanks to my mother, who supported me and supplied various dangerous stuff and admitted me to the real lab and tolerated the holes in my shirts... :-)