On the completion of a full time AME theory course you DO NOT need to be employed as an apprentice at all!
Correct.
You just need to get a job where you can log enough relevant and range of experiences in your skills log to satisfy the minimums stipulated for that MEA***, range and variable.
And therein lies the problem. I don't know how many gain employment and how many don't, but I do know maintenance organisations are reluctant to employ those who complete these short courses, due to their very limited knowledge and ability versus payment of AME wages.
Widewoodenwingswork. I wish I had the answer, unfortunately I don't. But I employ a number of apprentices in various callings and other employers have also confirmed that in their opinion none of these new training arrangements compare to the quality and ability that follows a four year traditional apprenticeship.