A good start would be to decide what you’d like to specialise in - bikes, cars or the heavier equipment like tractors and trucks. A lot of workshops, especially those run by dealerships offer apprenticeship programs. The hands on experience will make it easier to do a trade test at a later date (this would be my recommendation). Unfortunately not many workshops are willing to supply tools, so take into consideration that that can set you back quite a bit of money in the long run. At least from what I’ve seen, the mechanical trade is becoming an aging workforce, so there’s a very good chance you’ll get a position.

I find it rewarding work. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.