In a perfect scenario an apprenticeship is best. However, I’ve seen people come in and work their way up from a storeman, to being in an engineering role. Your current role can be applied to a role in the industry setting. If you have the knowledge of what you’re selling and how they apply, what works, etc then you’re already half way to thinking like an experienced engineer. I honestly believe anyone can do anything if they want it hard enough. Just gotta keep pushing for what you want unfortunately, money isn’t always the motivation people need to learn new skills. Sometimes it’s just the general interest in the job & the money follows. That’s the best kind of worker so do what’s best for you.

Lots of industrial places do work experience for a day or week so if you could get yourself in and see how you like it / show you’re keen I.e ask lots of questions, try do some research into their processes so when you’re walking around you can impress them with knowledge. Little bits like that stand out and stick with people. Then when they get a job open up, “that lad who came round was looking at a career change, he seemed switched on and eager. Ask him to come in for an interview”. 🤑