JAA licence

[spannersatcx]

B1 Licence experience requirements can be found here


Plus you need to do the exams, so should take you 3-5 years!

Have a look at other threads here as it looks like EASA is trying to reduce the standards etc of the Licenced Engineer due to keeping costs down for lo cost and other airlines.

If I was you I'd go the way of your collegues.