There are several lutherie schools in the USA. The biggest is Roberto Venn in Arizona. The company that owns ESP guitars has a Guitar Craft Academy in Hollywood. And some builders like Harry Fleischman and Ervin Symogyi in Northern California teach lutherie or else take on apprentices.
As for me and how I got here, I think it had more to do with luck than anything else. I studied philosophy in college (UCLA) and my background was in law and television production. But, I've played in bands forever and I knew the Seymour Duncan product line inside and out before I applied for a job. But when it comes down to it, there was probably more luck involved than in Derek Fisher's 0.4 shot against the Spurs.
Looking back, I probably would've been more prepared for this job if I had studied less hardcore academic stuff and more woodshop and electronics -- and gone on the road for a year with my band. On the other hand, all that hardcore study made me who I am today with the mental abilities I possess.
My advice: Learn as much about the field as you can. If you can get an internship at a company that does what you're interested in, go for it. Find a mentor in the field who can help show you the ropes. Once you choose your target, stay focused on it and don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Be open to recognizing opportunities when they arise. Do something everyday that helps you reach your goal. Don't worry about money, that will come later. And don't give up.
And finally, remember this: the journey is the destination.
