Replies

1. 
   IronDog | Jan 03, 2003 02:13am | #1

   Levi,

   I admire your drive and sense of direction.

   In Europe I guess you wouldn't have as much of a problem since there is still an intact Guild System there. You could consider it.

   There are ads seeking apprentices in the back of Fine Woodworking. You could start there. I would expect to do some drudge work for the Master at first.

   That's how apprentices start out even though you may be more of a journeyman.

   But check those ads and hey take one out of your own.

   It would help to have a portfolio of completed work as well.

   Good Luck and keep us updated on your search!

   Tom

1. 
   RedX | Jan 03, 2003 06:56am | #2

   Thank you Tom for replying and offering some suggestions. Perhaps I can clear up a couple of points for future readers.

    

   Right off the bat, I am more than willing to do drudge work, this includes chopping trees, sweeping floors, edge banding etc....The understanding for me is that this is what it takes to LEARN from a high caliber type person. Being able to study, watch, ask questions, and be immersed into an environment that would increase my skills is not only welcomed but desired!!

    

   In terms of ads from FW, a great suggestion. I have watched publications very carefully. I have not found any outright type offers that suit my unique needs. I also need to keep in mind the community, as I am an orthodox Jew and need to stay in touch of such a community, with that said, should the right opportunity arise, I would be willing to relocate.

    

   I also do have a resume and portfolio, limited as it is, due to my relative rookie status in the overall industry.

    

   In conclusion, thank you for your kind words, and response.

    

   Regards,

   Levi

1. 
   IronDog | Jan 03, 2003 07:19am | #3

   Levi,

   Those clarifications will probably be helpful for others who read this thread as well. I wish you luck in your endeavours.

   Tom

2. 
   davamoore | Jan 03, 2003 05:42pm | #4

   Levi,

   You might want to try The Furniture Society (http://www.furnituresociety.org) as a resource.  If you are a member, they have recently begun a program to match students and apprentices with established woodworkers who are seeking assistants in exchange for education.  The program is in its infancy, but as more people take advantage of it, the better it will get.

   If you are not a member of The Furniture Society, there is a back-end way of getting similar information from their site.  I don't have the website in front of me, but if memory serves correctly there is a "Resources" or other link on the home page that leads you to a list of member websites.  These are listed alphabetically, but also include the members' location.  Some of these makers have sections on their own websites describing their apprenticeship programs.

   Just as an example, a few weeks ago I was using the list to identify Society members in the Midwest (U.S.).  In Chicago alone, I found the websites of three furnituremakers who offer apprenticeships.  Their philosophies vary -- of course -- so both parties would have to be rather selective, but you might be able to find a good match.  (And, for what it's worth, Chicago has a decent-sized population of Orthodox Jews, so that might be something that works for you -- in fact, now that I think of it, I met a guy who was both an Orthodox Jew and a woodworking apprentice... that was about a year ago, but if I can remember any details I'll see if I can get him in touch with you, if he's willing.)

   Regarding portfolios, most of the apprenticeships I've seen don't require an extensive history of fine woodworking projects with professional-quality photos.  While most require some indications of the type and quality of work you've done in the past, most are looking for someone who's sincere, hardworking, will fit in with their shop and practices, is committed... and understands that the pay is low and you may start off doing basic work, but in exchange you'll gain some valuable experience and exposure.

   (Just by way of background, in the past I did a lot of looking at apprenticeships, as I explored my own options and opportunities as a developing furnituremaker.)

   DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!

1. 
   RedX | Jan 03, 2003 06:25pm | #5

   Hi David,

   Thank you so much for your response, it has some very valuable recommendations. When speaking with Michael Fortune, he mentioned The Furniture Society to me as well (I believe he is a co-founder), it is one of the resources I have tried to utilize, so far I have had limited success,but I have met some wonderful woodworkers and learned some of their philosophies. I'll have to go back and give it another shot, I recall that Toronto didn't have many listings.

   It's funny how you mentioned Chicago, as my wife is from there, so I am well aware of the community, I will have to double my efforts to re-look into that area.

   To reiterate about my character and professionalism, I ask for only a chance to make an impression. My desire to further my skills in this amazing field is equally matched by my creativity, and positive attitude towards everyone. I am a good team player, and a people person.

   I truly appreciate the effort it takes to respond to these posts, and my thank you is sincere.

   Thank you David.

   Regards,

   Levi

1. 
   davamoore | Jan 03, 2003 10:38pm | #6

   Levi, you're welcome and best of luck. 

   Unsolicited advice time:  Be patient AND impatient.  It's hard to balance the two, but I think I mean, "Work hard while you're looking for -- or creating -- opportunities, then jump at them when they come along."

   DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!