i dont know how it works that well in the UK, but here in new zealand you can do a level 3 course wich is basically the introduction course, then you can do either a 3-4 year apprenticeship or alternatively do one more year to do the level 4 course which includes half of your licence and is a good way to gain an extra year or so hangar/workshop experience. its another year without being paid but you tend to have a higher starting salary, the apprenticeship salary is around NZ$20-25k and the level 4 starting salary is around NZ$40k before any overtime and nightshift work is added, plus your already halfway to your licence when you start.