CessnaEng
“The problem isn't the way that Engineering are being treated. the problem is hoe Engineering are treating their Engineers, a very sublte but very important distinction to make”
Very well said. I am sure you will agree the problem can be traced right to the very top of engineering. Many junior/middle managers will tell you in private that they do not necessarily agree with some of the policies of recent years but they will not disagree with them because it is their job to agree with them. What this actually means is that they fear for their own positions. Most of their positions are short-term and their future position depends upon their current (perceived) performance.
Regarding PEPs. Although the company would like to consider them “modern day apprenticeships” this is far from the case. There is much less ‘hands on’ practical work and much more emphasis on academic qualifications. Having spoken to some of them I can tell you that very few desire to become ‘hands on’ engineers. Some simply wish to get their Licences/Degree and pursue more fruitful employment elsewhere and others have management aspirations within BA.