Correct me if I appear to have this wrong... but I am lead to believe that a lot of UK engineers have gone to Airbus and / or the Middle East, i.e. Dubai, to ease the burden on wallets and Bank Accounts, thus making an apparent shortage in UK's large aircraft industry.
I left the large ac world due to a form of progression in the helicopter world. I am 737 B1 rated, but with a helicopter background.
I also believe that some helicopter blokes have crossed to the Large side because of the shortage, thereby creating another shortage.
The thread seems to be that there is engineer movement throughout the aviation industry as money beckons to those that are looking - isnt that the way it was in the 80's?