I know of one particular airline (before selling the hangars off and prePart 66) that used to take on some people from mainly motor trades, but some plumbers and gas fitters also, and use them on the floor with fully trained mechanics and engineers for a couple of years before letting them loose. Some of these went on to pass all their exams and get their licences.
Unfortunaltely they no longer do their own maintenance but it was rather successful at the time..
The trouble now is (just like the pilots situation) that their are too many young lads and lasses studying their part 66 at various colleges/Universities around the country just needing OJT and would kill each other to get it, and as a result companies can pay peanuts if any for their efforts.
This new system has jepordised the appreticeship system and the entry systems from other trades..
I say, four years experience before you can apply to sit your exams should be the legislation. That should make sure the airlines and MRO's invest in people again
. Instead of an 18yr old borrowing a fortune to get all the academic qualifications, and then scrapping for a **** paying job for two more years just getting experience. Why not get them at 16 and by the time their 20 they have more experience and are ready for their licence at 21..
The aviation industry shoud be training people, not people training themselves being convinced by their instructors (who's wages are being paid by these students) that their is loads of work and you can earn a fortune
...
Truth is they are really only starting their apprenticeship at the age of 22....
Sorry for the rant!!!!!!
