Machine Learning Career Advice For An Old Man

Hi I am after some career advice from people who work in the data science/machine learning industry.

I am in my early 30s and looking to make a career change. I have an electronic engineering degree with a focus on signal processing. I worked out of uni for a couple of years in electronic design before getting a job in the electrical infrastructure industry. I am interested in changing to a career working with data in particular driving data based decision making in the electrical infrastructure industry.

To make the career change I am currently considering studying a Graduate Diploma in Statistics followed by a Master of Computer Science in Machine Learning.

I have a couple of concerns regarding my current plan that I was hoping for some advice on.

1. Considering my age and time spent out of the data science field, will I have a significant disadvantage in the job market once I have completed my study as compared to a younger graduate.
2. Is the course of study proposed the best way to achieve my goals.

Thanks for you time in advance.