Exploring / observing

I am a recentlly retired teacher . I think I would like to
learn some aspects of the jewelry trade. It would seem to me
that a tradesperson (jewelry maker or bench person) could use my
people skills and computer knowledge. In your experiences, does
a craftsman ever use a helper (observer) on a no cost basis? If
so how does one go about finding a cooperating business?

Thanks
Bob B

I am a recentlly retired teacher . I think I would like to
learn some aspects of the jewelry trade. It would seem to me
that a tradesperson (jewelry maker or bench person) could use my
people skills and computer knowledge. In your experiences, does
a craftsman ever use a helper (observer) on a no cost basis? If
so how does one go about finding a cooperating business?

Thanks
Bob B

1.) Take a class at a local community college in jewelry-making,
if you have one that’s available.

2.} Sell yourself. Start hanging out at places where jewelry is
being made, or handmade jewelry is being sold. Talk to the
vendors. They love to talk. Be upfront about what you would like
to do, and what you have to offer in return. (I did this with a
local bead seller. For a long time I traded my computer and
typesetting skills for beads. I ended up working for him on the
weekends where I got to meet a lot of really great jewelry
people).

I think most people could use a cooperative and enthusiastic
apprentice–someone who is willing to pay his dues doing the
scutwork in return fora chance at observing and being taught by a
good jeweler.