I fully support Genhis' comments re engineering (as a profession, as distinct from at the technician level) - and I've had as many fancy letters after & before my name as he has. If you think getting a good job as a pilot is a high risk pathway, then getting a good job as a professionaal engineer is even more difficult for reasons that are not relevant here. (and yes, I've had a fantastic time and earned the big numbers on the dream jobs)
Get a skilled trade as the fallback. Something that cannot reasily be automated and is not just grunt work, and which has good job market liquidity. Electrician and plumber/heating-technician and nurse/paramedic are all good fallbacks where you can get them under your belt to initial trade qualifications in 3-years from 18-21, then go the modular route as you earn your way, but always do just enough each year to keep your trade tickets 'live'.