SGB; absolut3ely, I think the CAA version is much harder to aquire, (or was). Much more study reqd compared to the A & P but with the new JAA bits and pieces it could be a nightmare.
Teens going to college and doing the theory ending up with licences is not a good thing no matter what the CAA say about it being just a building block. When I used to be an LAE I came across a guy doing work experience who was lined up to do just such a college course. He was so dangerous it was unbelievable and insisted that everyting was the way he was taught in college!!
with guys like that in the line i'm not sure if being a pilot is a wise thing!!