I transferred to NCA in 98 having served 10 years as a ground trade and it has proved to be the best thing I have ever done. I was 29 at the time. The Service still has lots of problems, even on the aircrew side of the fence, but at least you are getting paid well to endure the crap.
Be prepared to bite your tongue during your initial training (Cranwell equivalent of Swinderby phase) as you are lumped together with DEs (or at least you were in 98). You will be taught all the noddy GSK stuff etc so stock up on Pro Plus. I remember being taught Service Writing by a Flt Lt LM, and as an ex TG17 I found this highly amusing!
Ignore all those who knock you for trying to transfer. Leave them eating the chips that they carry on their shoulders. I doubled my wage from what I was on as a ground trade, and have just been signed on to age 55 as a Sgt. You make your own luck in this life and money makes the world go around.
Good luck