Like you airsupport I did a five year apprenticeship in 1966 and had all my casa basics by the end of the time and I stayed in the airlines for about 13 years before moving into GA and an expatriate lifestyle.
The money paid to LAME'S these days is an insult (the QF dispute reinforces that) so why would any technically orientated person even consider this trade as they would be better off in marine engineering, diesel fitting etc as the money is better, responsibility on par and no hassles from a dysfunctional CASA.
I have worked out I must have an equivalent to a couple of uni degrees as I have all engine, airframe, electrical and instrument basics and most endorsements in each catagory.
That is roughly 30-40 exams at a pass mark of 75% and then decades of legally documented experience with a lot at 0300 on a cold and wet night, the pay does not compute.
"Mrs Worthington do not let your child be a LAME"