Has anybody ever seen a shaping position available in the wanted ads of their local paper or surfshop. Is the only way to get a job through word of mouth?
You start off by repairing and glassing boards. Later if your lucky they will let you shape finish machined blanks. Most builders have no need for apprentices, it is called competetion. Those who have been shown how to shape for a shop, sign an non-competitive clause in there work agreement. If you want to work as a ghost shaper and not be tied down by work aggreements, you need to have a proven track record for shaping. Just start building your own boards. Some builders will let you watch if they realize your not going to be their competitor. I have aquired a great deal of shaping knowledge by agreeing not to build beyond my personal needs. There is very little money in boards anyway. Clothing is were it is at! Selling a live style. PS: 70% of the blanks are sold to the smaller builders / home builders. There is always room for new people. http://www.viser.net/~anthwind/