This booklet recounts the history of apprenticeship and describes its practice in the United States today. The booklet is organized in five sections. The first section outlines the early days of apprenticeship, telling how the system of indenture was imported from Europe, giving various examples of apprenticeship under that system, and describing the production of apprentices'"masterpieces"--test pieces to prove an apprentice artisan's mastery of his craft and his right to the status of "freeman." The second section details the changes that apprenticeship has undergone, discussing graduated wages, wage rate lags, beginning careers, first apprenticeship legislation, labor standards, equal employment opportunity, and the national apprenticeship law. In the third section, modern apprenticeship programs are described. Topics covered include certificates of completion, joint apprenticeship committees, basic standards for apprenticeship, and apprenticeship values for youth and industry. The fourth section explores new directions in apprenticeship, such as women in apprenticeship, apprenticeship preparatory courses and preemployment programs, and veterans in apprenticeship. The final section briefly suggests ways apprenticeships may go in the future. The booklet includes a directory of regional and state offices of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training as well as a list of state and territorial apprenticeship agencies. (KC)