I'm currently on the 3rd year of a modern apprenticeship for the bank of england.
It dont matter where you go but you will always meet someone who done an apprenticeship at fords!! They was one of the biggest employers for quite a while.
But thats changed now since the dagenham has changed.
Most electrical/mechanical apprenticeships are similar. You will do well to find a dual trade one. Mine is electrical but if i get taken on after then it will be made dual skilled. Alough i have covered a fair bit of mechanical skills both at work and college. The money is good to, i started on 10k and its gone up just over 3k each year.
Thames water do a good apprenticeship but it is fairly demanding. Similar money to what i get though.
I go to college with some people doing their apprenticeship with thames and london underground, both sound reansonable.

I doubt anyone would regret doing an apprenticeship rather that going to college, you get education, paid and experience and a possible job at the end of it.

I'd go for it if I was you mate, the further along the recruiment process you get you will seewhat sort of work you will be doing and you can always drop out if it dont sound ideal for you.