Is this normal?
I've already had a few people tell me my apprenticeship isn't normal but I didn't share many details in fear my old shop would see.
Edit: I've already left and they originally tried to get me to come back but then changed their mind and deleted texts asking me to come back. But wanted to know if anyone has experience fighting a contract dispute because she has asked me for the money(up front or monthly installments, contract says installments are 800+/month) and I told her I wouldn't be paying due to the unfair mistreatment and the lack of training I received as I felt she didn't hold up her end of the contract but im afraid she gonna come after me somehow
Here's a list of the few things I noticed and had issue with
Contract:
Says apprenticeship will be 6 months-1 year
Includes normal things like duties and attendance requirements
"No backtalk" or possibly immediate dismissal
Cost is 10,000 (partly for training partly for supplies)
Regular assignments and training were agreed on
Non compete clause that lasts 3 years I think and says I can't work within 90 km of the shop.
Reality:
Tried to extend my apprenticeship because they were mad I took medical leave. (3 weeks yet the were trying to add 4 months on)
Got 3 assignments in the first few months, never again even when me and other artist asked to give me assignments
Weeks/months without training or access to fake skins
I had to provide my own supplies like fake skin, ink etc. Which is okay but then why are you charging me for supplies if I have to provide them.
Was told verbally, I have to be involved with the local outlaw bikers and attend their parties or help setup events for clubs that need help. (Ended up only going to one party)
Was called names, made fun of for my weight, called "catfish" when they saw older photos of me when I was smaller. This was all aired out in front of their friends and clients and they were encouraged to join in.
Sexual innuendos and unwanted contact from bikers that were just laughed off, I would laugh along because I was uncomfortable and afraid to rock the boat.
5 month break period where I was just doing labour and renos for the new shop with no training(days lasted upto 11 hours)
Was told I couldn't take sick days and was punished if I ever had to but other days they allowed it if they were worried about me getting clients sick
Was told to eat sleep breathe tattooing and art yet my mentor used ai, rarely drew anything original and bragged about stealing other people's work
Intentionally went harder than needed to while tattooing me because "this'll teach you a lesson" "you deserve it" "it's just your skin, I can do whatever"
Called a fucking idiot and stupid in front of my clients for asking a question she had previously been unclear about.
Received maybe a few hours worth of training over the course of 11 months and anything I was "taught" was extremely basic and unclear. Like hold your machine at this angle when I was already doing that.
Much was "watch me" but then "don't do what I do, do as I say" effectively admitting she cuts corners
Would intentionally charge more for clients she didn't like as much
Would brag about times she beat people up, or how many guns she had, trying to put on this tough guy attitude so no one would stand up.