Getting into music production?

So recently I've really been interested in music production. I'd
really love to pursue this further into a hobby or a profession. Right
now I'm 17, halfway till 18, and they do offer courses for music
production and such for those 18 and over.

I was wondering if there are usually any pre-required skills or
knowledge needed to take up music production (making beats,
instrumentals, etc) since currently I have none.

I'm in Australia finishing off high school and have deep love for old
school rap and hip-hop, but I'm not trying to learn music production
for a specific genre atm.

Thanks