Its an interesting topic and it will take a while to really know how things pan out. One thing is for sure, it allows some one to ramp up in an unknown knowledge based territory fairly quickly(physical work still requires craftsmanship).

It can allow a skilled engineer to have multiplied effect of repeating their skills HOWEVER it would take away their ability to question, think and improve themselves. The syntax highlighting by editors is a good example, most engineers cant work without it, however its a static skill which does not needs constant improvement so its an acceptable support risk.