Hi snakepit.
I have considered the apprenticeship route, however the problem is my age and I am a graduate so I am automatically knocked of most airlines candidate list.
Of course the RAF does not provide the license, but you can study for the license in your own time during the last few years.
I am not joining the RAF so I can I leave after gaining experience; I would prefer to stay on till retirement, however having spoken with ex-RAF, I have been warned to leave as soon as possible and move towards the civilian world due to the government policies on retirement in the RAF. As far as I am aware, the maximum age you can work in the RAF as an aircraft mechanic is 50. Leaving the RAF for civilian at 50 and trying to find work will be really difficult.