Seeking paid assistant/apprentice position near Clackamas Co., OR area | Help Wanted or Available | Forum

I am a 25 year old father of a one year old, so I am seeking a paid position if available, but would love the opportunity to work for/with a smith in some capacity, even without pay. My experience base is not in metal work, but I have a varied background ranging from farming to warehouse work to web design and e-commerce. I have always had a passion for blade/knife design and remember drawing swords and knives in the margins of my homework as early as elementary school. I've made rings from coins and blanks and can work with heavy machinery and can lift 100lbs easily enough. I have a strong back and work ethic as well as a sharp mind. I have worked with family and for myself and have the ability to be as independent or as subordinate as I'd need to be. At this point, I am just looking for a way into this industry, with a mind toward forge knifesmithing in the future. I am considering apprentice positions in metal fabrication and pipe fitting at this point, but wanted to put myself out there to those that have the skills I truly desire to learn. Currently I am located in Estacada, OR, but am months away from having to move away from my family farm for personal and financial reasons. I am trying to take this turning point in my life as a way to fall into my true passion, rather than taking a warehouse position and just earning enough to support my family month to month.

I know this isn't an industry overflowing with opportunities for the entry level worker and that many craftsmen don't have the ability to pay a living wage to someone without a deeper starting skillset, but I still feel like I have to try.