szakmunkás

A szakmunkás is a skilled worker in Hungary who has completed vocational training and earned a recognised professional qualification in a trade. The credential is typically obtained through a combination of practical training, an apprenticeship, and a final examination that validates competence in a defined set of trade skills and knowledge.

The training pathway usually begins in secondary vocational education (szakiskola) or in adult education programs, culminating in the szakmunkás vizsga (professional qualification exam). The resulting qualification certifies the holder to perform skilled tasks in their trade, often with the ability to work independently within defined standards of quality and safety.

Trades commonly associated with the szakmunkás designation include construction, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, metalworking, woodworking, baking, and various textiles and service crafts. The credential marks the holder as a skilled practitioner who can provide essential hands-on expertise in their field.

In the Hungarian vocational tradition, the szakmunkás sits below the level of a mesterséghez vezető, or master craftsman, which requires additional training and a separate examination to obtain the master-level title. The szakmunkás qualification is part of the broader szakképzés (vocational training) framework and is recognized within the European context of vocational education and training.

The credential is often a prerequisite for skilled positions in industry and trades, and it can serve as a foundation for career advancement, specialization, or entrepreneurship, including running a workshop or employing apprentices.