will48
There are opportunties out there mate, you just have to keep looking and form some networks, I am very similer to yourself in many ways with the same aspirations.
Some Companys will not look at you due to your age and others do not see it as an issue, just ring around.
You will have to start again in many ways, but you have learned a trade and know where you are going and what you want.
Start networking and get yourself a CAP 741, use this document to record all a/c work you complete, See link below
www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65...
Good luck mate
Kel