I'm just about to finish my Engine cadet training with Clyde Marine sponsored by Zodiac. As has already been mentioned, speak to all the training providers(listed
here ) and go to a college open day if you can and speak to the recruiters there; just remember to take what they say with a pinch of salt(especially Clyde!). The time to do the HND or the degree is about the same, so it's down to how you learn the best; the degree requires more research and essay writing, whereas the HND is more rote learning. Both end up with you having a CoC. Any questions PM me and I'll try to answer.