Hi all,
Thanks so much for all of the helpful responses, I really do appreciate the extra information. The main reason I am looking into this path is so I can live with my partner as I do plan on marrying her one day so that would sort the visa aspect out.
Seems the best route for the time being is just to continue my studies/training here build hours and then have to tackle the conversion further down the line should things progress how I hope they do.
Thanks again.