OP,

If you have 12-18 months left, maybe try and knock out a few online classes.

As far as building time, look at this thread and maybe send them an email and start a dialogue for the future.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/pa...-position.html

I don't know what if any schools are around there that you could/would want to go to, but the job could get you some valuable time while going to school if they can work with your schedule.