Two possible routes for you the way I see it,first you could go to college,study for your part 66 aircraft engineers licence (I think Northbrook at Shoreham airport run a course or failing that try oxford-2 years - ish excluding work experience,another two years)as I think you are probably older than the pre requisite for most apprenticeships,then afterwards try and find a job as a fresh faced guy outta college OR
Take the gamble and go down the professional flight training route,not my domain really but probably similair time scale and certainly more potential for higher earnings(once you find a job whilst sitting on 60k debt) and less chance of getting cold and wet at un social hours! Dont get me wrong I love the job but when some people moan about it that is one of the salient points that gets repeated ad nauseum! Just to keep it vague I think you're in an ideal position for either,with your mechanical background and the fact you are learning to fly,good luck whatever you decide.