re-apprenticeship

So, I did a formal apprenticeship years ago, where I DID learn all the basics, but also learned how screwed up some shops can be. My first tattoo, for example, was coloring in a rose because my "mentor" had the shakes from lack of meth. I worked for a couple years and got by with what I'd learned. Wasn't much competition back then. Then I had another really bad shop experience and decided to hang up my machines for awhile. When I decided to get back into it, I discovered that tattooing had been taken to a whole new level, a level I want to go to. I want to get better, to learn how to tune my machines, to lay cleaner lines, to pack solid, vibrant color. Unfortunately, I'm also 43 years old, and the kids running the shops nowadays won't even glance at my portfolio. Around where I live, the shops are all either fly by night scratchers or won't give you the time of day unless you're fresh out of art school. Is it really so unprecedented to seek a re-apprenticeship? I want to get better and acknowledge I need help to do so. I'm a good artist, am current on health issues (blood-borne pathogens, cross contamination, universal precautions, etc), am intelligent an honestly consider myself a great student. What do I need to be doing?

I read your post and can totally understand where you are coming from...I am also around your age and find that many tattoo studios where I live have the same issues when it comes to seeking apprenticeships. What I have found is that as long as you have a pretty solid tattoo portfolio showcasing your talents helps-and so does determination and visiting them as often as you can to show them you are serious. It isn't easy but it is doable. There is no really "easy" way onto it...go to the conventions too if you can, there are a lot of amazing artists that actually take the time out of their schedule to talk to you and who knows...maybe you will find a shop that way! Best of Luck!