I started with the EASA Part 66 program when I was 17, started as an apprentice when I was 19 and got my B1 license when I was 21. So I gues that you will nedd app. 4 years to complete the edeucation. Ass an apprentice I got the oppertunity to work a lot of overtime, and earned approxemetly 80K $ a year.. With my B1 certificate I could easely make 100K a year if the financial crise could hide for a coupple of more years.. They gave me the oppurtunity to work both heavy-, and line maintenance, so I think the apprentice time was really great!
So there is possible, but it`s a long way to go just to save money so you can get another edeucation. But it`s a great edeucation to go back to if you don`t get hired as a pilot, and my experience is that it`s a very good edeucation which has given me plenty of job offers outside the airline industry as well!
Good luck with your choice!
-Dan