I`d recommend doing one of thoses NVQs..I hear Northbrook at Shoreham do one year course to get you to NVQ L2,you should get government funding,and a good technical understanding of aircraft from it...And can upgrade to NVQ L3 later.
NVQs seem to becoming a popular alternative to JAR66/LWTRs because short and relatively simple training,able to find jobs with them.
Just a thought,but as the guys said above,Think before applying for a apprentaship.
Ultimately you want to fly the planes,correct??...if so,its 1 less person who want to become an engineer,not a pilot..has the opportunity to do so.
Good luck with your PPL though.