Your road to happiness!
adriandecleir,
I know which crowd are training you up and the time will certainly fly by. You will be given the opportunity to take EASA66 exams to the A level grade. My advice is to go all the way and take the B1 / B2 exam where possible. SA run exams every three months or so and anyone can take them. Carlow also run exams as do DIT. There's plenty of opportunity to get the exams. As for the experience. Get yourself a logbook from the IAA, and write everthing down and get it stamped by your shift leader / supervisor.
Career prospects are good so long as you work hard. Get through the sh1te of working for peanuts as a trainee and you'll work your salary up nicely!
If you want any more info let me know!
D