In many fantasy or science fiction books, a common main theme or side plot involves apprenticeship. Dictionary.com defines "apprentice" as, "someone who works for a skilled or qualified person in order to learn a trade or profession, especially for a recognized period." I'm interested in hearing about what apprenticeship looks like in your world. How long does it usually last? Can anyone get apprenticed? How old are they when the apprenticeship begins and ends? Does it play a large part in your story or world?

In one of my worlds, Kochav, the males choose a profession and start their apprenticeship at the age sixteen, completing their learning when they turn twenty. The girls, on the other hand, do not typically become apprentices and it is frowned upon in the culture because it is believed that women were created to take care of the children and not fight in battle or provide for their families by the way of work. Unless it is a widow (women cannot remarry, you see) they do not typically work.

I think apprenticeship can be very interesting.

Are they allowed to marry before their apprenticeship is up?

Yes, most people in Kochav marry at sixteen or seventeen years of age.

In my world (which is mostly composed of knights and knighthood) young men are squired to older knights once they have proven themselves in the ranks of battleschool. The older knight becomes a mentor to the younger, teaching everything they know to their squire in readiness for their own knighthood. I need to refine the details of this a lot more though, so it has more significance.

Historically, it lasted for about 6 years I think, or until the apprentice was 18. I'm not completely sure though.

Actually they lasted more like 7 to 10 years.
And this article sums it up fairly well, I think. I've checked out the author a bit and recognize the sources she cites; she looks likes someone who knows her stuff and has done her homework.

*bookmarks link*

eru