Hello Sparks.
We've got something in common. Almost. I'm too wanting to become pilot and get trained as an engineer (maintenance side, not design, have enough of sitting in front of PC for a job as a career prospect). We swapped couple posts elsewhere..
Hope your saving still goes well. I've returned from the US, 50ish hours on R22 twitchy things, planning some taildragger flying towards PPL next year while occasional gliding lesson should I find time and good weather at the same time. Hard with two jobs (FT hours) and FT+PT studies.. I'll leave some of the savings aside and do PPL (A) so that I can fly for fun - not just gliders while training and saving for heli CPL etc.
I'd like to specialise in helis. I will see how far I'll get, but I'm starting 'part 66 degree' either with Glamorgan Uni (with ICAT at Cardiff airport) or Kingston (rather not due to locations and course structure, nothing against programmes themselves)
Can't tell from experience/insider knowledge - I'm just keen wannabe for both sides of aviation, but it feels to me that you're more likely to get job on turbine airliners, whether as an apprentice or after having part 66 theory. If you were in the US, you could do their A&P papers, 2 years at local college (where available) or just do apprenticeship and PT study. There's more FW FTOs that would do apprenticeship on SEP aircraft. No idea about UK market..
edit: c24 'beat me' to it. My opinion is supported by pros in the industry as it seems.