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A journeyman is a worker who has completed an apprenticeship and learned a trade. They are skilled and experienced, working for wages, often by the day. Historically, in medieval craft guilds, journeymen occupied a middle level between apprentices (beginners) and masters (those with the highest skill and status).12

The term "journey" in journeyman originally referred to a "day's labor." While the role has evolved, a journeyman today is recognized as a reliable, experienced worker in their field. The craft guild system, which regulated training and work, eventually saw masters making it harder for journeymen to advance, leading to a shift towards an employer-employee relationship.12

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