redtail,
I personally don`t have A&P, so i cant speak from experience, but speaking with those who do, it would appear that it is not considered too difficult to get when compared to the CAA licences. Our licences are specific to a trade. They are as follows;
`A` - airframe. `C` - propulsion. `X`elect - `X` instruments. `X` Autopilot. `X` Combined Category (for autoland, FMC. autothrottle, FADEC etc), `R` radio comms and nav. and `R` radar.
The licencing process is currently undergoing changes to bring it line with europe, so whereas we used to have to do multi choice and written exams in order to qualify for the oral exam, we now do just the multi choice. That hasnt made it any easier though as the examiner can ask any question he likes at the oral exam.
Once the engineer has gained his licences, he would then have to undergo an aircraft type course, gain experience on type and sit a company quality oral exam.
So, in the case of avionics,(my trade), I have had to sit six licence written and oral exams and attended type courses, some of which go on for between four and ten weeks. (B737 electrical systems alone is a four week course!).
Please note, this is for wide bodied aircraft only. Light aircraft is a slightly different setup.
As for changing companies. As you can imagine, once all this experience and qualifications is gained, an engineer in this country has a good future in the job market. Unfortunately, we wear overalls in a country that thinks suit wearing is worth more, so pay can be a bit of an issue with some employers.
Is there a shop or hangar hierachy? Yes. The licencing system is only for those engineers working on aircraft. Workshops use a different system.
Hope this helps.