Thanks for all the advice guys.
Given my situation, it seems almost impossible to get into the industry. There seems to be a common theme throughout these threads that the apprentice route is by far the best way to get the proper training required to become a competent licenced engineer. I agree with that but being 29 this is not an option open to me.
So other options include a 2 year HND at Kingston or similar but the problem here is that the course is eye wateringly expensive and the feeling again amongst these forums and Airmech seems to be that employers prefer people who have worked there way up through an apprentiship rather than having done one of these courses (correct me if i'm wrong). I wouldn't want to do a course such as this, break the bank and then find that an employer doesn't value it as a starting block.
Realistically it seems the only way into the industry is through apprentiships or through HM Forces but those are only open to younger people.....would others agree? Are there any apprentiships open to older people?
I fully appreciate that experience is the first thing companies look for when recruiting, but unless you have done an apprentiship, or come out of the forces, where are you going to get that experience from?
Catch 22!!