Finding an apprenticeship/traineeship

There are various options available to potential apprentices and trainees to assist them in finding an apprenticeship or traineeship. Some are:

keep an eye out in the newspaper.
contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre (AAC).
when participating in a pre-vocational course at either a local college or Tasmanian Polytechnic, employers often contact them to see if they have anyone suitable.
check to see if the training organisation, you're attending training with organises recruitment on behalf of employers.
approach employers directly and ask them if they might consider taking you on as an apprentice or trainee. If they need some time to think about it, or they may not be looking for someone just now, leave them a copy of your resume.
ask your parents for help, they’re sure to know many business people in your region and may have some good contacts.
contact a group training organisation. GTOs employ apprentices and trainees and then hire them out to businesses. This means that during a 4 year apprenticeship you may work for 5 or 6 businesses and gain skills in a variety of workplaces.

What can I do to make myself more marketable to an employer?

You could do a number of things to make yourself more marketable, including:

take the opportunity to do some work experience while still studying;
check out to see if there are any pre-vocational training options which will not only give you credit into the apprenticeship or traineeship, but will let you know if you’re choosing the right career option; and
put together a resume which outlines any work experience, hobbies or particular flair you have, especially if it relates to the job you’re after. Also, if you have any work examples, why not include some photos!