Each person entering into employment in an optical office, store or establishment for the purpose of obtaining practical experience and skill required under the provisions of this chapter shall register as an apprentice with the department and the computation of any period of apprenticeship shall commence at the date of such registration. Such application for registration shall be certified to, under oath, by the employer and by such applicant, and the department may issue to such applicant an apprentice’s certificate. A renewal of each certification of such apprenticeship shall be filed with the department annually. A fee of fifty dollars shall accompany the original application and any renewals of the same. Any person who served part of his apprenticeship in any other state or country not requiring such registration shall be obliged to give proof of such service satisfactory to the department.