With the resurrection of this thread I just noticed what I wrote six years ago. I still stand by every word.
There are still a few bright, keen young engineers coming into the industry only to be let down by the ever downwards spiralling effects of cost and corner cutting. Then many of them leave. Even Flight International has woken up and reported on the lack of maintenance engineers.
On the bright side, the resulting shortage of qualified people is starting to exert an upward pressure on wages and conditions. With any luck aircraft maintenance engineers will get back to the privileged position they deserve on the engineering industry salary scales and we'll attract more well qualified and motivated youngsters to replace us old farts on the firing line.
I'm off for a dribble down me waistcoat and another glass of Glenmorangie...