I had talked to a shop in the town where I was going to college. They were seriously considering bringing me on as an apprentice for piercing and the only reason they didn't was because they would want to hire me once I was finished and because I obviously wouldn't be sticking around Athens, Ohio for the rest of my life.
I professionally pierced for a few years as a second job and it does take a bit of knowledge and I totally agree with the apprenticeships. The purpose of apprenticeships is learn hands on. I have seen them last for years and in as little as 7 days. It all depends on the reputation you want to build for yourself and what kind of business you want to attract. The information is out there, but there is also a lot of bad information. APP is a good start, but not the only source and not the only way.
Well, I didn't figure APP was all there was, but it's really hard to find any other credible info. I mean, I've found some good sites on the internet, but you know, you can only trust the internet so much. I want something that I KNOW is accurate.