Hi Lobster37,
I'd recommend something of a compromise between what flyingmed and SeventhHeaven said. If I had my time again, I'd initially have looked at integrated schools that offered "tagged" schemes with an airline, the idea being that you have a conditional offer from the airline pending completion of your training to a satisfactory level. That would help to justify the huge sums that bigger, integrated schools charge.
Depending on how old you are, life experience, etc, I'd also have a look at gaining experience in the industry. If you choose to go the modular route, you can build up some experience in entry-level aviation support roles like ramp agent (baggage handler), PSA or flight dispatcher, and work your way up from there (or if you prefer to work in the office, look up operations assistant jobs - the pay will be low and the hours long, but they are great ways to enter the industry). I currently work in Crewiing, and wish I'd started my career inside aviation. It gives the chance to build up a useful network of contacts, and I know a number of pilots who now have jobs as a direct result of working in airline operations departments. Alternatively, if you have a degree, look at some of the larger airlines (easy, Virgin, BA), as they have graduate schemes now that allow you to enter at junior management level.
Aviation Jobs Aviation Job Search I've found useful for looking for entry-level jobs in the past, and
https://www.flightdeckfriend.com is a good resource for anyone aspiring to make it in this career.
Finally, if you haven't done so already, I'd do these three things:
1. Get a Class I Medical - if you can't pass it, then you may not be able to become a pilot (or at least, there will be some serious hurdles to jump over first)
2. Sit an Aptitude Test -
https://www.airpilots.org/career-mat...ptitude-tests/ have a good test (among some really useful info). Even if you fail the test, you will know what you need to work on, what your strengths and weaknesses are, etc
3. Have a trial lesson in a light aircraft - this will let you experience the pure joy of flight (or let you know if it's not what you want after all)
I wish I'd had a mentor when I started out who could guide me in the right direction. Get a mentor if you can... and good luck!
