Come on chaps,
the system has changed that much that now we might as well be known as "Book readers with Tools"
The days of real type tickets where orals lasted 4 to 5 hours are gone, the depth of knowlege into every nut,bolt, relay and sub-system I am afraid have long past.
Look at aircraft like the Airbus, It tells you when its gone wrong (most of the time),It even gives you codes to look up to direct you on fault finding. where is the Brain work in that, all you need is to understand how to use the manuals properly.
Many moons ago I used to spend hours trying to understand how systems worked,(and the CAA used to ask me on vists or on orals).but now whats the point, my company states I must read and quote all AMM references for work I carry out and certify, Ive even had my knuckles rapped for not following the TSM (trouble shooting manual) para by para.
I am sorry to say that we have had the power or right to think removed from us. The CAA and companies have gone along with this, exams/legislation are gearing up for work forces that are controlled by manufactures manuals.
Maybe the only real Engineers will be the structure repair guys that aurthories airframe repairs?
PRACTICAL skill does not come into this area, maybe this is the true part of the job that we should sell to companies?