The main problem in the UK is the limp wristed, open sandal, PC do gooders who run the education systems along with the H&S people who stifle ingenuity and the "I can fix it no matter what" approach. 2nd rant first - I am not in favour of unnecessary risk taking, but if you remove the ability of people to improvise safely, they will not improvise effectively. Kids in the UK generally are brought up idle and only get their hands dirty rolling spliffs, reading dirty mags and with inappropriate acts either on themselves or their friends, (I suppose I have to acknowledge that some of these activities may be same ****, but those should not find a place in our industry, stick to hairdressing). Whats wrong with getting your hands dirty rolling spliffs, reading dirty mags and with inappropriate acts on your (different ****) friends I hear you say....well nothing, but that is for us, not tainees.... concentrate on work before pleasure!
1st rant....no more needs to be said, other than where is the careers advise that we got 35 years ago?

Basically, my view on the UK market is its not seen as hi tech enough to attract the "trainee boffins", (and they wouldnt accept getting dirty for 5 years stripping masts, steer axles, transmissions etc), but would expect to play with computers from day one and leave all the old folk to do the hard work. Not heavy enough to attract "real" heavy plant engineers like earthmoving, cranes etc. We know its different, well those who have persisted anyway.

There is the odd good one out there who will make the grade, most have the brain, but the attidude and false expectation, both self generated and resulting from "peer pressure", (have your own mind and tell them to p*** off), result in them turning out to be no hopers, if they do last the course.

Oh yes you are right about the money....lack of. With BMW dealers charging labour out at £110 per hour, why do we always end up in a dutch auction to get business, then not have enough to pay a wage that attracts the right type of person, is reflective of training, knowledge and skill..guess thats one for "management" to answer (bluff, weasel word, bull***t their way out of).

Well this hasnt answered the question, which is both very valid and even more serious, but I hope its given at least one of you a chuckle on the way.