Apprenticeship is a system of training where a person, known as an apprentice, learns a trade or skill from a more experienced individual, usually in a workplace setting. This type of learning combines practical experience and classroom instruction, allowing the apprentice to gain hands-on knowledge while also understanding the theoretical aspects of the profession. Apprenticeships are common in various fields, including skilled trades, healthcare, and technology.
The word "apprenticeship" originates from the Middle English term "apprenteship," which is derived from the word "apprentice" (meaning someone who is learning a skill) and the suffix "-ship" (which denotes a condition, state, or quality). The term has roots in the Old French word "aprentiz," which itself comes from the Latin "apprendere," meaning "to learn."