Well, I was in sort of the same situation. I was layed off after 9/11. I had a BS in aviation maintenance and was tired of the airlines anyway. I decided to go back to school for another degree. After enrolling in Penn State, I found out about First Energy's college programs. Unfortunately I was too late to get a job there. After finishing my AS :EET, I temped there for a few outages. I finally got a job there.
Here is what I know based upon what I've seen, others here may have more info.:
PLAN #1: Lakeland CC has some sort of co-op or placement program with First Energy. Some of the people at my plant came from that Program. They worked at Perry for some time until graduation, then were picked up. I would suggest this route if for nothing better than you get some experience.
Edit: Forgot to add that FE also offers its employees financial aid and college classes on site. If you can get hired you could probably qualify for them.
Q1 : I can't really answer except that RO training/certification is provided by a company/military/gov after you are hired. Maintenance and I&C certification are also company provided. I have yet to see a college or private company offer this training.
Q2 : I was in the same boat. With a previous degree, I had a hard time finding financial aid. It is out there however. I ended up having to take out a few federal and private loans to finish my degree. Because you have a previous degree, you will find it hard to qualify for most scholarships.
Q3: Can't help you there.
My advice is to plug along with your studies. Try and get some experience at a plant, be it through internships, co-ops, or temping. Utilities seem to prefer: 1)Ex Navy Nukes, 2) College Graduates 3) Previous Commercial Nukes. What type of job do you want? You will probably have to take the Mass/Poss and/or TECH test. Each job classification often has its own test you may have to pass. You also need to be able to pass a security background check so be sure not to get into trouble.
Good Luck!