23M Starting Merchant Navy as EU citizen

I've been looking at colleges in the UK, but they need companies to sponsor you and they only sponsor UK residents. I tried applying to global shipping companies, but they don't have a lot. I came to understand in the EU, the system is different and you first complete your course and then pursue companies for sea time. But, I prefer the sponsorship route because it's more safe and you can start earning earlier.

Guys... please help. Next steps??