Hey Jarrod

I don't know if it's up your alley, but look at what any of the Forces offer. I did my toolmaking apprenticeship (worked as a gunsmith) before being a civilian contractor with the Navy. Since I worked mainly on the ships guns which are predominantly remote operated, they put me though the full Electrical Engineer (trade) course.

Because of the structure of your job, you will pick up a lot of other skills on the way. Personally I also gained experience with CNC programming and machining, and travelled to most Naval ports in Australia where you get a day or two to do what you want as long as the allocated work is done.

I probably wouldn't go the enlisted route, as it's very strict. (they tell you how and when to wipe your arse! lol), but there are 2 other avenues worth a look:

1/ In-house positions: the one to go for as you're under the Federal Gov. Best condions but set pay.

2/ Contracted jobs: companies that have tenders (usually min. 10 year) conditions probably not so good pay may be negotiable.

I disagree with what's said above about apprentices cost the employer. There are so many incentives now to put apprentices on. The only cost really is the day at TAFE and if the apprentice is just "useless"! The first few years you dig the trenches, and do all the roughing in under floors and in the roof cavities!!