yet have less options when I leave the course because I'm modular
Eh? You've got more options by doing a modular course. A CTC cadet has been taught to fly an airliner; a modular student has been taught to fly an aircraft.
What is showing here is that you believe the integrated system to be better than modular and you are feeling bitter that you couldn't afford to it. That is where you need to adjust your thinking. And, believe me, chips have a way of appearing in a cockpit even if you think you've hidden them away.
we are meant to embrace equal opportunities
We do. You have more opportunities now than ever existed before. However, just as some people are not born beautiful, some are disabled, some are really poor, some are not. Life's not fair and it's up to you what you make of it.
Cheers
Whirls