Novice gives a pound to the breadwinner (7)
I believe the answer is:
learner
'novice' is the definition.
(I know that apprentice is a type of beginner)
'a pound to the breadwinner' is the wordplay.
'a pound' becomes 'L' (abbreviation e.g. Lsd - pounds, shillings, pence).
'to the breadwinner' becomes 'earner' (I've seen this in another clue).
'l'+'earner'='LEARNER'
'gives' is the link.
(Other definitions for learner that I've seen before include "Trainee (driver)" , "One ascertaining" , "neophyte" , "He displays the L-plate" , "Driver under instruction" .)