Annie Raynor and James Cripwell - modern day apprentices
Even though compulsory apprenticeship by indenture had been abolished in 1814, the system continued throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. Apprenticeship in other guises still continues today.
This indenture for Annie Raynor was issued by John Player and Son (reference: DD/PL/8/8/2); indentures were issued for cigar-making for girls and tobacco manufacture for boys. Like earlier indentures it has wording about not haunting taverns and playhouses and not playing cards, dice, tables or any unlawful games. Her payment would be according to the quality of her work and her ability, up to a maximum of 11d for every 100 cigars. Her parents, rather than the company, would have to provide food, drink, clothing and lodging.
See the apprenticeship indenture in more detail here [PDF 2625KB] 
See a transcript of the apprenticeship indenture here [PDF 24KB] 
Apprenticeship records can survive in other forms, such as this apprentices' record book from Thomas Forman & Sons, printers of Nottingham (reference: DD/TF/6/2/1). James Alfred Cripwell had been working for Formans since November 1910 but was not a bound apprentice as a letterpress machine minder until February 1913. Unfortunately he did not complete his apprenticeship as he was sadly killed in action during the First World War.
See the apprenticeship record of James Cripwell in more detail here [PDF 987KB]
See a transcript of the apprenticeship record here [PDF 58KB]
Modern apprenticeships are now widely available in the twenty first century and provide the opportunity of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 years old, whether they are just leaving school, have been working for years or seeking to start a new career. The wide range of apprenticeships available include farriery, sheep shearing, sound engineering, plumbing or becoming a dental nurse. Being an apprentice has even been made into a very successful television programme, with candidates competing to work for Lord Alan Sugar, hoping to be the one to hear the words "You're Hired!"
