'Engineer' has many meanings. My father was a 'stationary engineer'. Like a train engineer, without the tracks. From the 50's until he retired, he ran the big boilers and systems in plants and buildings. I assume it's still a profession. It did require a license, but no college, back then.
I used to play this song on my radio show, but was it by Peggy?
Found it - Willie Tyson. But this wasn't the version...
http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q=Willie+Tyson+I%27m+Gonna+Be+An+Engineer