EASA licence
As a 'retired' a & c lic engineer . I did the old ARB lic which I studied for with help from SLAET (RR Spey Course)and the RAF pre release training scheme. I would take advantage of any assistance that should be your entitlement especially as you have the time in hand. A little bit of contracting may also be worthwhile to check out first hand what the go is and meeting some engineers who can give some first hand advice is also good.
Take a keen interest in all aspects of avionics as well .
There is unlimited info available now care of the internet but the main thing is to get the qualifications that opens the doors!!
Best of luck