The link below provides the options you have to work toward a LAME licence. You need 4 years working on aircraft before you can get a licence thus a lot start with an apprenticeship. I have worked with a few guys who worked in the hangar completing an SOE and did their own study to pass the exams. As the link shows this is still a valid approach.
http://www.casa.gov.au/ame/guide/require.htm
Cheers
TH