The predicted shortage of engineers has induced the 3 main offshore support helicopter operators in the UK (Bristow, CHC, Bond) into opening a joint apprentice training scheme.
On some of the company bases large numbers of engineers are over 50. With early retirement, sickness e.t.c the situation is unlikely to improove. Bristows is rumoured to be the worst off.
Whatever happens to the licence, qualified engineers are in short supply.
Worth noting that this business has kept me employed for 35 years, I have only been unemployed by choice. I do not see this situation changing. The major change has been in pay, a multi type rated licensed engineer with the airlines or offshore should be looking towards £50,000 with some overtime.