I consider myself lucky.

Associate degree in electronics before even thinking of following my dads footsteps.
That was 26 years ago.
When I got into the trade,I doubled up on training and had my mechanics card in three years.
I had the schooling,but not the experience.
But I was an adjusters helper off in on during that three years.

The problem that will be facing these companies is that in 10 years,I really don't think there will be too many guys around who could fix an elevator.
They will let the equipment run down and get it modded to were you won't have to do any troubleshooting.

You are right,elevator men are going the way of the TV guy.