Sweetheart is trying to acquire skill (8)
I believe the answer is:
artistry
'skill' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'sweetheart is trying to acquire' is the wordplay.
'ARTISTRY' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for artistry that I've seen before include "Finesse" , "Virtuosity - craftsmanship" , "The skill to create works of art" , "Creative skill learned by study and practice" , "Creative workmanship" .)