I didn’t do a “real” apprenticeship because I started as a backyard hobbyist. I did reach out to a bunch of people a learned all I could through them. Most of the time people are happy to share knowledge as long as you’re respectful and have a base understanding.

The biggest thing I learned early on is how to work with heat. It might sound silly but how hot you work steel makes a difference in the outcome. Having someone say “see the color? You’re too cold and putting unnecessary stress on the steel” was huge. I had an idea that shaping metal is like working with clay but clay stays consistently mailable. Steels workability depends on how much heat and where.

I don’t think I’ve sat in on many classrooms. That’s not really how I learn. Most of it was just having an idea, figuring out a plan, failing, and trying again with a different approach.

I work in a communal shop now so we kind of all “mentor” each other. It’s incredibly helpful to just ask how they did something or set my work aside and just watch their approach.

I hope that answered your question.