I have been where you are(work situation) and am telling you the following.....
1) You might make money but you will hate yourself after awhile if you truly don't enjoy the field work. 90deg hot days, roof climbs, etc.
2) If you train as an apprentice they will pay you less and still take...
I am college educated MechE who worked for a civil/structural company for many years but want to break into machine design. Are there any mentoring programs/books/etc that will help?