Apprentice Bitch- and how long?

I've read alot of the threads here, so I won't bother you with all of the questions I have as most have been answered. And feel free to rant, scream and rage at me all you want- I have skin as thick as leather, somewhat the equivalent of an armadillo. I have been seeking an apprenticeship for over 4 months. I got together a nicely organized 200 + piece photographic portfolio. I have been a self-supporting artist for 4 years (and an artist for 20). After taking my portfolio to many shops, I've received two absolute maybes and a yes, along with one who said they couldn't even consider it until closer to winter, beacause the shop was too slammed to take on an apprentice. So I honestly believe I have some real options. My biggest problem is I recently broke my leg and as much as I would love to be a hard-core toilet scrubbing bitch for hours on end, my leg seems to have some limitations, after working a full- time day (or even a part- time day), I don't know how much my leg can handle. I didn't want to ask the shops I was inquiring with this question because I didn't want to seem unwilling to the "bitch work". How physically demanding is it to be an apprentice?? How long will I need to be an apprentice before I can begin to work in a shop, considering I'll be working a part time job while apprenticing, to support my family? ?