Apprentice left a salaried worker (7)

I believe the answer is:

learner

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'apprentice left' is the definition.
'learner' can be an answer for 'apprentice' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'left' bit.

'a salaried worker' is the wordplay.
'a salaried' becomes 'l' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'worker' becomes 'earner' (earner is a kind of worker).
'l'+'earner'='LEARNER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for learner that I've seen before include "One being taught" , "Scholar - novice" , "neophyte" , "One under instruction" , "Acquirer of knowledge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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