B2 verb Neutral

apprenticeship

/əˈprentɪs/

To place someone into a formal agreement or contract to work for a skilled employer for a fixed period to learn a specific trade or profession. It involves gaining practical experience while receiving specialized instruction from a master of the craft.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He was apprenticed to a local carpenter to learn the fundamentals of woodworking.

He was placed in a training program under a carpenter to learn how to work with wood.

2

The guild required that all new members be apprenticed to a master for at least five years.

The organization demanded that all new members train under a professional for five years.

3

I'm thinking about trying to apprentice to a chef instead of going to college.

I am considering training under a professional cook rather than attending university.

Word Family

Noun
apprenticeship
Verb
apprentice
Adjective
apprenticed
Related
apprentice
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'PRE' in apprentice standing for 'PRE-professional'—you are learning the skills before you become a master.

Quick Quiz

In the 18th century, a young boy might be _______ to a blacksmith for seven years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apprenticed

Examples

1

He was apprenticed to a local carpenter to learn the fundamentals of woodworking.

everyday

He was placed in a training program under a carpenter to learn how to work with wood.

2

The guild required that all new members be apprenticed to a master for at least five years.

formal

The organization demanded that all new members train under a professional for five years.

3

I'm thinking about trying to apprentice to a chef instead of going to college.

informal

I am considering training under a professional cook rather than attending university.

4

Historical records indicate that many children were apprenticed to textile mills during the industrial revolution.

academic

History shows that many children were sent to work and learn in fabric factories during the industrial era.

5

The firm intends to apprentice several junior engineers to the lead designer this quarter.

business

The company plans to have junior engineers train under the main designer during these three months.

Word Family

Noun
apprenticeship
Verb
apprentice
Adjective
apprenticed
Related
apprentice

Common Collocations

be apprenticed to to be placed under the guidance of a specific master
apprentice someone as to start someone's training in a specific role
apprentice to a trade to begin learning a manual or technical skill
formally apprentice to enter into a legal training agreement
apprentice out to send someone to another place to learn a skill

Common Phrases

serve an apprenticeship

to complete a period of training

apprentice at law

a historical term for a student of law

bound as an apprentice

legally committed to a training contract

Often Confused With

apprenticeship vs internship

An internship is usually short-term and academic, whereas to apprentice someone usually involves long-term training in a manual trade.

apprenticeship vs mentorship

Mentorship is informal advice and guidance, while apprenticing is a formal, often legal, working relationship for skill acquisition.

📝

Usage Notes

The verb form is often used in the passive voice (e.g., 'he was apprenticed'). It is less common in modern casual speech than the noun 'apprenticeship', but it is essential for historical and formal legal contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'apprenticeship' as a verb. Remember: 'He began his apprenticeship' (noun) but 'He was apprenticed to the smith' (verb).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'PRE' in apprentice standing for 'PRE-professional'—you are learning the skills before you become a master.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'aprendre', meaning 'to learn', which comes from the Latin 'apprehendere' (to take hold of).

Grammar Patterns

apprentice + [object] + to + [person] apprentice + [object] + as + [profession] be apprenticed to [someone]
🌍

Cultural Context

In many European countries like Germany, the system of apprenticing young people to trades is a highly respected and vital part of the national economy.

Quick Quiz

In the 18th century, a young boy might be _______ to a blacksmith for seven years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apprenticed

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