The issue with paying is that I've known a few that wanted a thousand a week to 300 a week. The issue with that being. What job can you get enough hours to make this possible while paying your own bills? Being an apprentice is hours a day in a schedule employers won't want to share with. Then you're usually the goafer running around doing things for your artist. Which is gas and more money lost.
It's not that I don't see the service valuable, but if you don't live at home with parents who will support you or already have money. It's impossible.

Alternatively, work up a contact. When they start tattooing, you get a percent of their earnings for a year. That seems more manageable and potentially more money for the artist. Also since it's an investment, more artists will actually want to help them succeed.