Don't like the idea of an HNC being reqd.
Call me lazy (or thick) if you like, but the lack of one didn't stop me from progressing into a "Management" position - or back out of it (contract finished) onto the line again.
An on-line course would be the ideal for me, it would give access at work or home without having to cart lots of books around.
Going back to the HNC thingy please ponder: Of those in my Apprentice year (BCAL days) none who took the HNC route have become Licenced Engineers, all are still in the same positions that they finsished their time in - except for one who took a degree & moved into cargo.