blacksheep
you are quite correct in your observation about the uk not apprecaiting talented engineers,
i do sympathize with your brothers low pay,but i am afraid it's horses for courses,i am sure he does not work nights,weekends,christmas day,news years day,in the rain,in the snow,in the cold,whilst having to meet a high degree of safety, as well as meeting an on time departure.
gloating i was not, my pay packet reflects my professional qualifications and the experience gained over 20 years.
i do not need a P:H
. in aeroplane repair,but if needed i am sure most of the technicians (as you call us)are quite capable of gaining the level of academia of your self or your brother.
like your brother i have also left the uk to work overseas,reason being i earn more overseas and get treated as a professional and i dont get looked down upon because i wear overalls at work by some young jumped up university kid with no experience but has a P.H.D..