As a Trainee Engineer at BAE Systems, i would definitely recommend those who are based in the UK looking for these opportunities to enroll on a PEO (Performing Engineering Operations or something like that) course.
Certainly, in Scotland, Ayr College offer this course, and all of the Ryanair (Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd) B1 and B2 Apprentices are put through this program whilst studying their modules at Ayr College. Ryanair themselves tend to take on around 6 - 12 apprentices a year. Competition is fierce, as are the interview processes, but it will set you well on your way.
Sorry I cant be much help on the Australia front. But certainly for those of us in the UK, Ayrshire Scotland is the place to be.
To name a few companies there are Ryanair, Intertec, Assystem, BAE Systems, UTC Aerospace, Spirit Aerosystems, British Airways at Glasgow etc.
Hope that is of some use.