Dave,
I trained in the U.S. at HAI about 10 years ago and now work in the industry back in Ireland. People often ask me about this stuff.
I always say that if youre going to do it then go there and get your CAA license while youre at it.The decision to make is not where to go but if to go. Talk to as many guys in the north sea, flying charter, police etc. as you can, and decide if what they are up to is where you want to end up.
HAI is a great school and will match your effort. Over the years guys go there and achieve different results. A lot of it is down to how you apply yourself.... keep your mouth closed and your head down. There are guys who have applied themselves and made the right choices and didnt get where they really wanted...you do need luck chasing jobs etc.... but most guys who stick with it over five to ten years eventually get there. There are instructor jobs and you have to chase them. Having done your ppl in the uk first is smart as it will give you more time to instruct and build those hours. The industry is always cyclical and timing is important... if you hit a lull then you may have to be patient....
Best of Luck.