Apprenticeships have existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. In the Middle Ages, apprenticeship programs were common, where young people learned a trade under the guidance of a master craftsman. These programs laid the foundation for modern mentorship in the workplace.
Some of history’s greatest minds have gone through apprenticeships. Leonardo da Vinci trained under Andrea del Verrocchio before becoming one of the most renowned artists and inventors of all time. Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, was an apprentice to his brother in a printing shop. This is where he developed the skills that led him to success. More recently, Henry Ford learned his craft as an apprentice machinist before revolutionizing the automobile industry. Each of these figures went through and apprenticeship that helped shape their journey, proving that guidance and hands-on learning can lead to greatness.