The answer depends on quite what you mean by Aircraft Engineer as this title can be used for many different disiplines.
As you mention Oxford, is it safe to assume that you mean Licenced Aircraft Engineer, hands on, oily, dirty, fixing Aircraft. If so I suggest you take a look at Airmech.co.uk as a lot of advice there but basically it's a long road until you are qualified and desirable to an employer. These days the examinations are modular, I think there about 15, and then you need experience. You will find the details here:
http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?ca...77&pagetype=68
I'm sure that others will come on here and offer alternate solutions, if I can be of further help drop me a PM
It IS very rewarding, despite what others may say, I've been at it for 34 years and still enjoy every working day !