In Aus...QF is currently sending a group of 17 to NZ, SAfrica, Ireland, HK just to interview and hire LAME and uLAME (or whatever u want to call it) because of the lack of skill coming to the industry.
The skill shortage exists (in my humble opinion) with short term bonuses being paid to "Senior" management, who find things like training and apprentices easy pickings to make savings in their area...and therefore bonuses in their pockets.
Short term solutions = Long term problems
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If you're going out into the blue, be sure your engines got more mj2