by Alysa Dudley

Created on: February 16, 2009

Apprenticeships can be very valuable experiences for homeschoolers. In addition to job experience and general employment skills, students can learn about entrepreneurship as well as a particular field of interest.
Students under the legal working age (defined by each state) can get jobs such as babysitting, and pet-sitting. An apprenticeship is a good way to get a start in the broader working world.

Working as an apprentice will provide general job experience such as how to dress, and getting to work on time. Students can learn about how a business is run, including marketing, record-keeping, paying bills, invoicing, receiving payment, and more. In a retail business they can get experience with selling, dealing with customers, stocking, and doing inventory.
Apprentices should be prepared to do some of the routine tasks of the business, such as stocking shelves, filing, cleaning, etc. It is best to keep expectations reasonable. An apprentice is unlikely to begin doing specialized work right away. This kind of work, however, often leads to training and opportunities for more specialized tasks. An apprenticeship can help students learn more about a subject or career they may be interested in pursuing. One of my daughters was interested in herbal medicine and non-traditional healing practices, and found an apprenticeship in an appropriate store. Although she
wasn't paid a wage, she received discounts on purchases and classes. Through this she became a certified herbalist, and a Reiki
practitioner. She also had the opportunity to meet many other people involved in these fields.
Apprenticing also gives students job experience that will help them get a paying job when they are ready. In fact, the business they apprentice in will often offer employment when the student is old enough. The store owners can also provide recommendations for other jobs.
Individually owned businesses are the best places to explore. . If you haven't done so already, get to know the business owner and learn more about the store. Ask them if they would be willing to consider taking on an apprentice. You will find that many store owners are happy and eager to do so. Business owners get excited about teaching their particular speciality and are proud to share the elements of starting and running a business. Many small business don't have a lot of money to hire people and apprentices can do them a great service.

Choosing to homeschool is a non-traditional decision. After growing up in an environment that encourages independent thinking, students have first hand experience of taking charge of their life experiences. Consequently, many homeschoolers seek out careers like entrepreneurship that allow them to continue on their independent path. Pursuing an apprenticeship is a great way to start on this journey.

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