Become an Apprentice

Becoming an apprentice means learning how someone does a job, something that inspires and interests you. You might be surprised that even at a young age, you could be an apprentice. It doesn’t mean you have to do that job for life – you might explore it and discover it’s not for you after all. But it does mean you get a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity in a real workplace, even if that has to happen remotely during the pandemic (since many real workplaces are remote these days anyway). 

You could try out being an architect or an activist, or an artist or computer programmer. You’ll get to learn from an adult who has mastered those skills, who can give you a rare glimpse into what it’s like to do that work professionally. And it might be easier than you think to make this happen, in part because so few people try to do it!

If you’d like an example of what this is like, check out the podcast.

Getting Started:

1.     Think of 3 possibilities: If the idea of trying out a job sounds exciting, you might start by making a list of three professions that interest you. It’s fine if you don’t know much about them — this is about exploring, not choosing your life path. 


2.     Find your allies: Once you have some possibilities on your list, it’s time to identify allies. Who are the adults in your life who might be willing to help? Make sure you have a specific request for them: to explain that you’re inspired by the idea of being a [fill-in-the-blank job or profession] and hoping to learn more about that job and what it takes. Would they be willing to help you meet someone who has this job, and help you find a way to be an apprentice and learn about it first-hand? 


3.     Start asking: Now it’s time to put the word out about your request. Start with the allies you identified in Step 2, asking for their help to find the apprenticeship that interests you. With luck and patience, by gently reminding each ally and following up with anyone they introduce you to, you will find your apprenticeship this way. Making these requests can be hard, especially if you’re on the shy side, but it’s worth it. To find that right connection means you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try being a veterinarian, a pilot, a programmer, or whatever else might call to you.


4.     Keep asking: Sometimes, you will need to make your request to more people to find your apprenticeship. In this case, it’s time for some online research. Look for small organizations when possible, as they tend to be more open to helping. Search for the profession that interests you together with your location - for example, you might say “Veterinarian Boise” — and then begin contacting the people and businesses who appear. You will need to be ready for some rejections, but with enough patience, someone will say yes. Each time you call, you can introduce yourself and make a simple request — “My name is Chris, I’m a 9th-grade student at XYZ High School, and I’m really interested to learn more about being a veterinarian. I wondered if there were any people in your office who would let me come in and see what it takes to do their job.”


5.     Make a specific, polite request: When you’ve found someone who is interested in helping you, make sure you have a very specific, very polite request. For example, after explaining why you’re interested in the profession, ask if they would consider allowing you to visit on Wednesday afternoons after school for the next month, to observe the work, help out, and get to ask questions. The details will depend on the job, your host’s schedule and your own. Make sure to thank them for even considering such a request, as it may be an unusual one. The more you show your sincere interest in the profession, the more likely you are to get a “yes”. And that yes is, in most cases, only a matter of time and effort. If you are determined and keep finding people to ask, eventually you will make this happen.


6.     Make a plan: Once someone has agreed to offer an apprenticeship — congratulations! — make sure that the structure is clear. You should have a specific schedule, and if possible, a specific project together to focus the experience. This could be a design of a home or a room if the apprenticeship is with an architect; or making a website if with a software designer; or a slide presentation on a relevant law if with an advocacy or non-profit organization. Finally, it helps to schedule some kind of final presentation or celebration at the end. For example, this could be presenting at a meeting of other employees in the business. Imagine the confidence you would feel after presenting to a group of experts in the field you want to enter one day.