Is this a catch-22 then or is there a rational course to self-study into the field for those that are competent?

Well, these were senior level skills, a person who can drive and complete a project. I don't know how you could become senior via self-study and without practical hands-on experience on a project (working with and learning from somebody with experience).

Not that long then, especially if someone was motivated enough to complete the projects as quickly as possible.