If you are still collecting apprentices without a proper form, you are setting yourself up for stress, disrespect, and stories that touch the heart. Before anyone enters your shop, there must be a clear agreement not just verbal, but written. Let me break it down so you can create yours today if you don’t have one: 1. FULL DETAILS OF THE APPRENTICE Don’t just collect a name and move on. Write: • Full name • Phone number • Home address • Next of kin (very important) • Next of kin phone number This is for security. If anything happens, you know who you’re dealing with. 2. DURATION OF TRAINING This is where many tailors make mistakes. State clearly: • Duration (months or years) • Start date • End date Example: “Training will last for 1 year, starting from May 2026 to May 2027.” So nobody wakes up one day and says, “I’m done, I want to go.” 3. PAYMENT AGREEMENT Be clear from the beginning. Include: • Total fee • Payment method (full or installment) • Deadline for payment Example: “Total fee is ₦50,000 and must be completed within 2 months.” No confusion. No stories later. 4. WHAT YOU WILL TEACH Some apprentices complain, “They didn’t teach me anything.” Protect yourself. List clearly: • Basic sewing • Drafting • Dart manipulation • Wedding gowns • Corsetry, etc. Let them know what they came to learn. And as a boss, do your best to teach them properly. 5. SHOP RULES & BEHAVIOUR This is where discipline is built. State rules like: • Resumption time • Closing time • No phone during work • No insults or fighting • Attendance and absence policy • Cleanliness of the shop You can also attach consequences to each rule. When rules are broken, you simply refer to the agreement, no arguments. 6. DAMAGE OR LOSS Let’s be honest, things can go missing or get damaged. Protect yourself. State clearly: • What happens if fabric is spoiled • If a machine is damaged • If a customer’s item is lost • Who takes responsibility • Whether replacement must be immediate If you don’t write it, you might end up paying for it. 7. CERTIFICATE OR FREEDOM CONDITIONS Some apprentices stay for years and still claim they’re not ready, especially those forced into the trade. So make it clear: • What qualifies them to graduate • If they will receive a certificate • Conditions for freedom Clarity from the beginning prevents confusion at the end. 8. SIGNATURE (VERY IMPORTANT) At the end, include: • Apprentice’s signature • Parent/guardian’s signature • Your signature This is a legal agreement, not just talk. A well structured apprentice form is not wickedness it is wisdom. It protects your business, your time, your effort, and your peace of mind. Don’t run your shop on vibes and emotions. Run it with structure. Because a serious tailor doesn’t just sew clothes… they build systems, train people, and protect their craft. I am the kings tailor. - @thekingstailor7