I don't mean to say that the training at the base isn't good because it is. However advancing to your LS has the advantage of having a higher pay,and a little more responsibility. The exact schools and locations that are on the SEP list escapes me at this time. That would be one of the advantages, being able to attend a school closer to your home. The program in St. Johns is an excellent program as well, and has been a big part of training NET's for several years now.
Military training is on going and even if you came through as an SEP trained tech you would recieve a degree of trade training, such as equipment. For a student coming to CFNES you would recieve your QL3 tecnician training over two years and a few months of equipment training, be sent to ship for at least 16 months for your QL4 training, following that you would return to CFNES for more academic training (approx. 6 months) and more equipment training, the time varies according to whether you are NET A, C or T. Upon completion you would then return to ship.
Students that attend the St. Johns school or come through as SEP have a different training rythm.
I will post more details when I have the opportunity. I believe that there is a link for said programs, when I will post when and if I find it.