I dont think you'l find a class of fully licensed engineers after the 4 year apprenticeship in AAAE,some with the basic license yes but not full,and the percentage of people who pass all the modules/essays first go within the 4 years is not as high as your making it out to me,i lived with some air atlanta guys and its horror the stories,like being timed how long they were gone to the jacks,a connie I worked with recently also confirmed this,although there is horror stories about both places.
i know everyone has different views but i looked at this a great deal having spoken and shared accomodation with people in both places.unbiased,id go for the quickest route.
Mick i dont have a clue nor care about the working conditions in either place. I have worked with people from both places and was giving my honest opinion.
Alot of the young guys in SA train for 2 years then leave and head out on the circuit. For me its a no-brainer 2 years vrs 4 years training, which would you think is to the higher standard. If you talk to people who contract around europe SA lads have gotten a bad name in a lot of places just ask around.