Hi, I too enjoyed reading the results of your survey and was also saddened to read that newly qualified engineers are not leaving training facilities with the right skills.
I have over 25 years of hands on engineering skills, gained in the commercial vehicle coach/body building sector, as well as experience gained as a volunteer in the heritage aviation sector, for over 15 years now
I am currently employed in the aviation industry,in a managerial,but non engineering capacity, but would jump at the chance to get more hands on in the aircraft maintenance sector, if only I could get a job!
Sadly it seems that my engineering skills and knowledge,combined with my current aviation experience, aren't what employers are looking for.
It seems that they would rather have someone with the papers, but not necessarily with the skills,knowledge and ability to get the job done.