My husband got made redundant earlier this year and was planning on doing this - but to be honest after months of running around in circles he gave up. The problem seems to be that even with all the qualifications it is almost impossible to get a job - they go to graduates straight out of university. Hubby is mid forties and was wiling to train for years but nothing. Oh, correction, he could get an apprenticeship witth the local council on 10k a year, with no guarantee of a job at teh end of it. He's in Wine now. (working in it that is, not drowning his sorrows!!)
Good luck - I think you may need it!