Mate i was a Chippy before i was run up the ass by a car while i was stationary on a motorbike (he was traveling at 100k)...My days were finished as a chippy...
Have you tried to get into the Commercial side of it (building of Mobile servo's,Kentucky Fried Chickens,Fitting out shopping malls etc etc etc etc).....Or have a look at the Mining Sector etc etc
Goodluck