E) Performance workshops have to deal with A LOT of wankers, unreliable people (get used to chasing bills through courts), dangerous people
OMFG so very true, more so in the paint trades.
Tristan, to sum it up there is f*ck all money in the vehicle trades in general. You either love it and stay, or hate it and leave.
I will add though, it is HIGHLY unlikely you'll walk out and find an apprenticeship. You need to show prior interest. The only way workshops will accept this is if you do a TVET course or a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE.
From memory a pre-apprenticeship course will cost around $250-$400 and run for around twelve months (one day/night a week.).
Doing one of these courses will really help you not only find someone willing to offer an apprenticeship, but the skills you'll gain will be invaluable when you start working.