To be honest, I think there is a shortage in this country. I don't know any of my former workmates who have left Q and have failed to find work if they want it. Most have had calls, possibly I'm the only one who hasn't.
We would be banging our heads up against a brick wall trying to get AMEs/LAMEs removed from the list. Of course it does not suit us but the shortfall has been created by the companies that have not taken on apprentices (Virgin) and taken on about a quarter than they have in previous years (Qantas). 1970-1985 on my account, the big 3 were taking on about 400 first year apprentii each year, now Qantas thinks it is a good corporate citizen by employing about 30.