capt wannebe, personaly i think that some trades will always be there even in 100 years. like builders or carpenters, plumbers and sparkies. yes technologie will change. but i think the basic principles will stay. people will still build houses posibly from bricks and concrete and wood. etc.
and if one learned a trade now it would be easier to fall back on in 20 years say, than to have to learn one in 20 years time.
leaving school wen 16 to persue a career in flying? i don't know. Unless you have a real big drive to achieve your dreams.
it can be done. the guy who got me ready for my cpl flighttest was than 21 and he started when he was 17. and got his 1st ailine job in the same year i did my cpl. by shear hard work. and i admire him for that. but his main concern is that one day he may lose his medical or fail his sim chek. and than what? maybe aply to the airline as a hostie?