how did the indenture system work?

Answer 1

poor workers, convicted criminals, and debtors received immigration passage and fees in return for a number of years at labor on behalf of a planter or company
servants entered into their contracts voluntarily and kept some legal rights
however, servants had little control over the conditions of their work and living arrangements; system led to harsh and brutal treatment.

Answer 2

Indenturing was practiced by tradesmen or artisans as a way to get cheap help.
Parents would sometimes get a fee or felief from debt by indenturing children into apprenticeship or service where a trade or craft was learned in return for sometimes nothing more than room & board.
The period of indenture varied , but when completed the indentured "servant" would be able to work for the "master" for pay or be qualified to practice their craft on their own..
Modern apprenticeships are similar (electrician, plumber,carpenter) wher one is trained as a helper until fully qualified without tthe abuse .

Answer 3

Young people agreed to work for a someone to learn a trade and get experience and in exchange were given room and board and possibly a small stipend.