I think you are wise to go the Engineering route, have another trade up your sleeve. I left engineering college in 1992 with BTEC, my first engineering job was a airframe/engine mechanic at a flying club, I then progressed onto helicopters/biz jets/ heavies. Got my first flying job in 1999, by which time I had 500 hours TT. I got the flying job because I could help out in the hangar! Stayed with that company for 3 years, finishing off flying twins( the mighty BN2 islander). Next job was in the Caribbean as chief pilot on piston twins, and even then I would help out in the hangar.Since then I have flown turbo props, heavy jets and now biz jets. Engineering has certainly helped me along the way. I say to any newby pilot, go to your local flying club and try and help out in the hangar.