Thanks John. I'll give them a shout.
I thought I'd better check the validity of what Milton Keynes College told me (that I was ineligible due to my current qualifications) beforehand and I now have a very low opinion of that particular training provider.
According to the government apprenticeships helpline, because my current qualification and the apprenticeship are in substantively different subjects (Forestry & Gunsmithing) there is NO legislation excluding me from doing it! However, because of my age, 34, there would be minimal government funding to the training provider, Milton Keynes College (the youngest age bracket gets 100% funding)! So I was most likely dropped for younger candidates because I would cost the college too much!
I'm realistic and I can understand the rationale behind that, but to make up a lie because they don't want to admit cost is a factor is pathetic and ultimately could have stopped me from ever applying for another apprenticeship! Way to go Milton Keynes College, I wouldn't sully this forum with the names that you deserve!