Refers to a person learning a trade or art under a master, often in a traditional or skilled craft context. Slightly formal; in everyday conversation 弟子 (でし) is more common.
When he was young, he trained as a carpenter's apprentice.
The potter has several apprentices.
apprenticeship system; apprentice system
Composed of 徒 (follower, apprentice) and 弟 (younger brother, disciple). The combination has been used historically to denote a person bound to a master for training in a trade or art.