My first post in ages, how things have changed since then!
Its not too late at all.
Airbus will take apprentices at any age. Anyway its illegal to discriminate against someone because of their age now, so its NEVER too late!
I got my apprenticeship with airbus at 20, after sacking off my engineering degree.
If he wants to work with working aircraft, then airbus probably isnt the way to go. My plan is to finish my 3 year apprenticeship with airbus, then look to go contracting and do my engineer liscences.
as for uni/apprenticeship, You can get higher engineering apprenticeships which will give you a foundation degree (need a levels or equivelent for these im pretty sure) all paid for and getting a wage while he studies.
I think this is a great option currently for anyone looking to get into aircraft engineering.