How did Milton Hershey learn to be a candy maker?

Milton Hershey didn't learn to be a candy maker in a traditional apprenticeship or school. His journey into the candy business was a mix of hard work, experience, and fortunate encounters:

* Early Exposure: Hershey grew up on a farm, but his passion for sweets led him to work in a local Lancaster, Pennsylvania, confectionery store as a teenager. This experience gave him early exposure to candy making, though he was primarily involved in the selling, not the making, of candy.

* The "Caramel King": In his late teens, Hershey started his own candy business, experimenting with different recipes and techniques. He developed a passion for making caramel, earning him the nickname "The Caramel King." This early venture, however, failed.

* Learning from Others: After the failure of his initial business, Hershey worked for several other candy makers, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. He worked in Philadelphia, where he learned about the manufacturing of caramels and milk chocolate, and later in New York City, where he honed his skills in the chocolate business.

* The "Lancaster Caramel Company": With his newfound expertise, Hershey started the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1886. This venture was successful, building a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

* The Turning Point: In 1893, while visiting the Chicago World's Fair, Hershey was impressed by the German chocolate-making process. This exposure was crucial in shaping his future.

* Experimentation and Innovation: Hershey's relentless experimentation and focus on improving chocolate production led to the development of the first successful milk chocolate bar in the United States. This innovation revolutionized the chocolate industry and catapulted Hershey into a position of prominence.

Therefore, Milton Hershey's journey to becoming a successful candy maker was not a straightforward path. It was a combination of hard work, trial and error, learning from others, and a relentless drive to innovate. This combination allowed him to become a pioneer in the confectionery industry.