ADRP, most of which I think is now in the MAA, tried to address the problem of formal qualifications Vs competence Vs experience a few years ago and wrote this:
‘The normal understanding of a competent person is one who has practical know-how, theoretical knowledge, and actual experience of the subject matter. Academic qualification by itself is not a measure of competence, but an indication of the holder’s ability to satisfy an examining body at some point in the past, although it may be an indication of theoretical knowledge’.
The author was well-known for his condemnation of the policy whereby a non-technical direct entrant (never mind one with an engineering degree) could self-delegate airworthiness and technical approvals. This was his attempt to prevent it happening with our industry appointees under the DAOS scheme; as there was no way he’d win the argument in MoD. This policy is the problem, not some JEngO learning the ropes under slightly less qualified but very experienced and competent WOs/NCOs.