The industry (many industries) is rife with those willing to take advantage of the knowledge people have accumulated through the years while providing as little as possible compensation.
Probably one of the most refreshing things I ever heard was from someone in charge of pre-press at a major (large) printing company. He told me he was thrilled that his shop was a union shop. Wages were such that it permitted him to hire the best, most knowledgeable people available. They also had trainees. That was about 25 years ago. That company is still expanding & doing very well.