You're absolutely right and in fact, when I worked at an aircraft tyre company for 8 weeks, they were looking at having me on the floor for a week just so I could get a clearer understanding of what the actual tyre manufacturing process was. Needless to say the management team decided my time would be better served working on the system I was employed to set up, but the idea was there.
I have applied to the big guns' graduate schemes, and would expect to get first hand practical experience. I didn't think for a second I would be jumping straight in as a manager, or even an avionics designer. I just don't have those skills yet, only the potential to learn them.
I had just heard that a lot of engineers go into other areas - not necessarily technical....but it seems the general consensus is to stay with Avionics for the time being, or simulation, or communications.............I'll be delighted if I can get a job actually!