Joe,
your CIO man is indeed talking bollox but unfortunately only partly.
The RAF are indeed still training Eng's but not for much longer and now only recruit for that trade from within the service.
However, the other airmen aircrew trades do recruit from civvy street and are definately worth a gander.
Out of interest your young friend might like to know that the Loadies job on the C 17 now includes a bit of system management if he's that way inclined. Even if he fancies Truckie or Rotary he'll still find plenty to challenge him.
He should only consider Aeop if he doesn't mind spending the rest of his working life in the North of Scotland (suits me but isn't everyone's cup of tea).
More importantly he should know that it is now very much an Officer's Airforce and whilst Airman Aircrew is a great stepping stone he really should try and go straight for a Commission. If he's a bright lad then get him to apply for Pilot/Nav. If he's thick as mince then he'd never make AA anyway so get him to apply for Pilot/Nav..............................INCOMING!!!!!!!!
