Hey mate good luck with the search but if you stick with it you will get there it is just a matter of getting your foot in the door. There are plenty of engineering firms out there that are not located in the city but in regional areas. Many of the larger flying schools, charter and Ag companies have their own maintenance facilities.
If you where prepared to do other duties such as loading Ag aircraft you can make very good money as well as doing your apprenticeship at the same time.
Don't stress about earning a low wage to start with as it will get larger fairly quickly as you gain more experience and qualifications.
Try giving some of the Ag operators around Moree in NSW a call. I'm sure if you are keen enough you can get a foot in the door that way.