Sorry to drip water on your parade, but here are some realities from a professional woodworker's point of view. I made my living in woodworking for over twenty years. I have retired and moved on to another passion and now do woodworking as a hobby again. But...
Occasionally I would have someone want to help around the shop "to learn." Even if I could use the help and thought I had time to offer instruction, I did not have the insurance to cover them, nor could I afford it. If I had employees, I would have had a even larger nut to crack each month to keep the sheriff from the door and certainly could not have someone slowing down production.
So what you are suggesting may not meet with much success.
There are two places where you can 'explore' what might interest you. One, a local community college program, or even evening high school program. Two, a woodworking club. For leads on either, go to the wood suppliers in the area and ask around. Post your location (city/state) on woodworking forums and ask for clubs or school programs.
Rockler, Woodcraft, and a few other retailers offer classes. Then there are the woodworking schools. Best few hundred bucks you can possibly spend, and you will save it all back by making wise future purchases, make few mistakes than if you are on your own, and just generally have more fun, and meet really wonderful people.
Welcome aboard. This hobby, like so many others, is not inexpensive. Learn before you spend for tools and supplies. Spend educational dollars first. You will never regret it. Go to gatherings of woodworkers. I was just at Indy Fest, mostly woodturning. I learned a ton! and had a blast! And I am no amateur any longer. Go to woodworking shows. Take seminars. There are many places to learn. Go to learn things. Go to meet people. Go to have fun. Don't worry about trying to find a 'deal.' That may come down the road. And even if it doesn't at first, your may wind up saving a bundle for not making unwise purchases.
Just a 20/20 hindsight point of view.