"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"In areas where there are no union apprenticeship programs, many Tile
Setters acquire skills informally by working as helpers to experienced
workers."

Pretty much sums up your point that there is no NEED for an apprenticeship
program.

Uh oh. It's Fritz logic again. Let's see if I understand you correctly:

If something doesn't exist in a certain place, that means there's no need
for it?

And, what if the only tile installers in a small town have marginal skills,
but more than a guy who's interested in entering the trade and needs
training? Would you say there is a need for GOOD training, or should he just
throw up his hands and say "Oh well. I'll learn from someone who's just a
year ahead of where I am now"?