In my opinion (as this is the route I am taking)......get to University, and do a combined Degree/ Part66 B1.3License (Turbine Engined Helicopters)
Get the license on Rotary (either Mechanical B1, or Avionics B2), and you'll be sorted. There are pro's and cons of taking this route over an apprenticeship. You'll miss out on some experiance, which would help you secure a job, but then you'll have a degree (or HNC/D etc) to offset that. But most importantly, you'll have a license, so will be a much faster route to a certifying role.
Not sure off-hand of anyone that runs the license courses the helicopters, as I'm a fixed wing guy myself....
Have a look on
www.airmech.co.uk
Hope that helps a bit!, just my opinion, I'm sure plenty will have other suggestions
