journeyman

Journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed an apprenticeship and is employed as a paid worker but has not yet attained the status of a master craftsman. The term originated in medieval European guilds. It derives from the Old French journee, meaning a day's work, reflecting the idea of a worker paid by the day.

In the guild system, young men trained as apprentices under a master for several years to learn a craft. After completing training and demonstrating competence, an individual could become a journeyman and travel to work in different workshops to broaden experience. Progress to master required producing a masterpiece or portfolio and passing a guild examination, along with dues and recognition from the guild.

In modern usage, journeyman denotes a trained and licensed tradesperson who is not yet a master. In many regions, licensure or formal certification exists for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other trades. The term also appears in sports and other contexts to describe a competent professional who is not a top star or a journeyman athlete who moves between teams.

The role emphasizes competence, reliability, and the ability to work independently. Although the specific structure of apprenticeship and master status varies by country and trade, the distinction between apprentice, journeyman, and master remains a common framework in discussions of traditional crafts.