Funnily enough, I know someone who has gone the other way. Sixteen years on heavies and he has just done his ACS (or is it ACOPS) and registered with CORGI. His biggest problem was work experience which I imagine will be the same for you. No-one wants the faff or expense of training anyone anymore. He worked for nothing for a year with a gasfitter in order to fullfil his experience requirements. Can one do this in aviation engineering?