This guide informs women about the apprenticeship system and how it operates, provides some background on the problems that women sometimes encounter in seeking apprenticeships, and outlines the apprenticeship application process. Statistics are given concerning the growth in the number of women participating in the apprenticeship system. In the section, Women as Skilled Craft Workers, the current status of these workers as well as their ability, interest, and availability are discussed. The system itself is analyzed in terms of the role of federal and state apprenticeship agencies and committees, training, standards, and types of apprenticeable occupations. Barriers to women in apprenticeship, such as sex discrimination, inadequate preparation, and age, are examined in the third section. A section on how to become an apprentice includes choosing a trade, sources of occupational and program information, and the application process (containing data on tests, interviews, and probation). Another section summarizes federal laws and regulations affecting apprenticeship. Addresses for the Women's Bureau Regional Offices and for the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Regional Offices are appended. (CT)