Hey mate, I'm currently doing a certificate 3 in automotive light vehicle at Kangan Batman Tafe in richmond. But I'm 17
Apprentice wages are horrible, and from what I've gathered fully qualified ain't that much better either. If you start in the trade can you live on 230-260 a week?
And there are lots of areas in the trade which is a good thing. If you wanted to do R&R (refit & and replace) a dealership would be good, modern cars, not to much hassle and good equipment. Smaller local workshops tend to not have the high range equipment and its allot harder work imo. I've worked in both types.
But if you have a good passion for cars and can listen and have patience then that is the best way in the trade. I've seen so many other apprentices who are just sh*t kickers and its no way to go if you have a passion for cars. I know I'm still young but i started when I was 15 and have been loving it ever since. There are also very nice incentives from the government. Tafe fee's covered. You can get up to $3500 tax free money to help you out. That is if you meet the requirements but there not that hard.
Have a browse through Box Hill's website. http://www.bhtafe.edu.au/index.htm They have alot of information on short courses, pre-apps and apprenticeships. Try other tafes as well. Swinburne, Kangan Batman.
Hope this helps mate all the best
Jesse