How to approach a master jeweler about an apprenticeship

Hello everyone, I am new here. I am interested in starting an apprenticeship with a specific master jeweler or the shop that I frequent. How should I go about approaching them for an apprenticeship? Are jewelers less likely to bring someone on that has been a customer?

I would be starting from square one on learning bench jeweler basics. I have worked in retail enough that I feel confident in my skills for the shop side of things (if that is a plus?) I have been put on a waitlist for the New Approach school in Tennessee, but I would really love to apprentice. This will be a big career change for me so any advice is welcome!