[greyson]

I am a 25 year old chemistry newbie who is learning via independent study.  Do chemistry apprenticeships exist?  (i.e. working for a chemist in exchange for them educating/sharing their knowledge with you, or something like this.)
Should i just go to college?  Other options? 
Thanks for reading.
         

[JGK]

I am a 25 year old chemistry newbie who is learning via independent study.  Do chemistry apprenticeships exist?  (i.e. working for a chemist in exchange for them educating/sharing their knowledge with you, or something like this.)
Should i just go to college?  Other options? 
Thanks for reading.
         

I've never heard of them if they do other than a PhD studentship (where you work on your own research under the loose direction of a senior researcher).

You need to have a good general background before you specialize.