I was advised to get the SII Rules and Regs exam followed by the Securities exam.
Hope you don't mind cold calling, starting out it seems to be what they have everyone do. When I started I was given shareholder lists and told to phone through them, introduce the company, send out company info packs that sort of thing. Then when they are ready they are passed up to someone more senior, who deals them stock.
Not seen many apprentice type positions as such, seems to be you just have to know how to sell. Confidence is definitly a big plus on the phones, as is understanding the products. A sales background will definitly aid you aswell.
Starting salary without the exams I think your looking at between 15-18k. Of course all the big money is made in commision in this game.