Nope, not at all. Took a gap year before university myself - applied to a cadet scheme at a well-known UK FTO and got a spot. Popped out the other end and have been fllying twin jets for a well-known UK charter company for about 18 months now.
Everyone on my course had varied backgrounds - a good mate on the course taught English in Japan after uni. He's recently finished a TR on the 737 and is line training with a UK loco carrier as we speak.
No hindrance at all, especially if you're doing something constructive, like you intend to.
B&S
