To address a couple of points raised and likey reiterate some prior answers ...
Apprenticeships are possible at any age, but funding for employers is only available up to the age of 24 - as such colleges mainly cater for apprentices starting up to the age of 24.
Self-employment is unusual as an apprentice, but is not an issue. It would mean that you apply for funding, rather than your employer, so might limit options when finding someone to work with.
If you want it badly enough, you'll make it happen - I'm 45, living in NI and started an apprenticeship this year.
Find someone to take you on, then keep your head down, study hard, work hard and prove to your employer that your employment is very profitable.