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It's not that you couldn't get a job at those local private carriers, it's getting the job that will give you the required experience to take the A&P tests.
Obtaining an A&P is different than other craftsman trades. Main difference is the government issues your certificate verses an association. The problem today is that you may work at an aviation company but your first 2-3 years maybe cleaning parts, fueling aircraft, or just being a gopher which does not count toward the 30 months. It's possible you could work at that job for 5+ years before you get enough experience to take the tests. That is provided your employer will sign you off and the FAA accepts the letter.
Contact your local FAA Flight Safety District Office (FSDO):
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...fsdo/?state=NY
Inquire about what type work experience they will accept toward your 30 months requirement to take the A&P tests. Ask if they know of any local companies that provide an acceptable pathway to the 30 month experience and how long it may take. Also ask who locally provides the A&P tests and what the costs are per test. Call them as well.
Each FSDO has their own "rules" when it comes to issuing the test authorization cards. Some just need a letter from your employer. Others need a detailed journal with individual signatures from person overseeing your work. If you start documenting your experience in one FSDO jurisdiction and move to another, you'll need to inquire with the new FSDO to ensure they accept your past experience.
Unless you attend a 147 school, the local FSDO controls your destiny as they process your A&P application. Within the same 2-3 year time frame above you could have finished school and been working as a certified A&P.
Geosync nailed it with the community college. Any way you look at it, the quickest and cheapest method to an A&P is school.
Good luck!
W1