Shipping:ApprenticeShipping

undefined

ApprenticeShipping is the belief that and Tracey Sketchit belong in a romantic relationship. One of Tracey's defining characteristics throughout the Orange Islands was his admiration for Professor Oak, that he was envious of and  being in his acquaintance.

History between Oak and Tracey
After meeting in A Tent Situation, Tracey became Professor Oak's assistant in the following episode, The Rivalry Revival and has since then, stayed with him in Pallet Town. Previous to meeting face-to-face, the two had several videophone conversations, in which Tracey displayed his sketches and they discussed various Pokémon.

Since Bulbasaur... The Ambassador!, the first episode to center strictly around the two, Professor Oak and Tracey have shared a vast amount of screen-time together, most notably during the side story episodes. They appear together in four Pokémon Chronicles episodes, while Tracey appears in three more, all of which include detailed mentions of him working as Professor Oak's assistant.

During the course of the Johto/Master Quest seasons, Professor Oak has guest starred in a handful of episodes, at one time mentioning that he should get back to Pallet Town because Tracey deserved a rest after taking care of the lab and Pokémon for several days. The concept of Tracey being reliable enough to be in charge of the lab is a sign of trust and respect, especially because Oak, as a professor, would most likely be very protective of how things are run at his lab.

The two's relationship has been suggested to be beyond work-related, an example of this being in Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl!, where Professor Oak and Tracey both go to visit Gary. In Journey to the Starting Line!, Tracey is very persistent about Oak eating his breakfast, a clear sign of caring for the man's well-being. Also, during the Johto Silver Cup Conference and Hoenn Championship League, they are shown watching the events alone together.

Support for this pairing may be limited, however, there is a strong cult following which is usually quieted down by the ‘rival pairing,'. Even so, it's worth noting that since Tracey arrived in Pallet Town, most ElderShipping hints have completely vanished, with the exception of dub-added dialogue. The most surprising of this change, occurred in The Right Place and the Right Mime when neither Professor Oak nor Tracey showed up to bid farewell to Ash and his friends, a definite first.

Criticism for this 'ship is mostly in relation to the characters' age difference despite the fact they share endless similarities, such as their passion for studying Pokémon, and coincidently, both being artists.

Alternate names
HeroworShipping - a play on the phrase "hero worship". IdolShipping - shares the name with.