Early Modern Apprenticeship System

The Early Modern Apprenticeship System, prevalent from the late 15th to the 18th century, was a training program where young individuals, typically boys, learned a trade under the guidance of an experienced craftsman. Apprentices would live and work with their masters for several years, gaining practical skills and knowledge in fields like carpentry, blacksmithing, or tailoring. In exchange for their labor, apprentices received room, board, and training, often culminating in a certificate of apprenticeship. This system not only provided essential skills for future employment but also played a crucial role in the economic and social development of communities.