We as locksporters/hobbyist pickers here seem to be solitary animals due to being spread so far and wide around the country, and the population is too small outside of the cities to have groups or meetups like they do in most other countries. I'm in SA and to date have not found a locksmith who will give me the time of day when discussing possible assistance for used or unwanted locks with them.
In my experience most pickers in Australia are members of International Locksporting groups and put videos of our work on YT. I'm not an active member of this group however, I just pop in on the odd occasion, and by coincidence you posted yesterday.
I wish you both well in your apprenticeships.
BTW, you have a lockpicking competition coming up in November apparently, better get yourselves to it and try your skills out
