That's awesome. I would love to do something like that this summer, but I don't have the knowledge for it to be considered an "apprenticeship" so I'd either screw up or just not make as much as I am now.
I think I remember saying that you were going to go to Uni or something? I think those are your only two options, get an apprenticeship of go to Uni and to your papers. The way the world is heading you are not going to get very far without those bits of paper.
In the end I did 2 night shifts, working 31 hours in a 48 hour period.
On the up side I got to service 2x Cat 773 dump trucks and a 45 tonne crane. Got up close and personal to a Cat D10 Bulldozer, dug some big holes with a Cat 330, 30 tonne digger.
Learn't to probably drive the 18 tonne service truck, eg using the high/low and the splitter.
I cant help but say, I really love my job!
Jeremy.