4yr apprenticeship with 6 years college release, lucky me in 1965, then also they predicted a shortfall of Tech Engineers due to the stock of ex RAF numbers post war years dropping into retirement.
The Gov't had introduced the tax incentive scheme for apprenticeship schemes and this meant my Company at the time doubled its intake every year for some time.
After sitting AEC 2 and 5, I went onto get my 1st airframe license, despite the industry turning against this system in favour of company approvals.
Now retired 10yrs, having had a wonderful career abroad where my licenses were well appreciated.
Hope you have success too.