In my opinion like many others, you must know what you like and capable of before going into apprenticeship or help them during your off days. I think it is hard for professional photographers to hire or teach someone from ground zero. Especially if they are good, they have no time to waste. To follow a photographer around for shoot is worst because they don't need you there anyway. Basically in this industry, you would find 2 types of professionals. One is event and wedding photographer and the other is advertising photographer. For the formal, its easier to pickup I guess but you must love to meet all kinds of people and make them look good in short. As for the latter you must be somehow a perfectionist or a creative person and technically good to deal with art and creative directors. You must be able to light up everything from a diamond to a aeroplane, from a dog to a shopping centre and you name it. Steep learning curve that can't be done without an art foundation. These are just some points to get you going with your thoughts. Hope it helps. Cheers.