Craftsman vs. Journeyman — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
A craftsman is skilled in a particular craft, emphasizing quality and creativity, whereas a journeyman has completed an apprenticeship but not yet a master.
Difference Between Craftsman and Journeyman
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A craftsman is an individual highly skilled in a particular craft or trade, known for their expertise, creativity, and ability to produce high-quality work. This term often refers to someone who excels in their craft, showing a high level of proficiency and dedication. On the other hand, a journeyman is someone who has completed the necessary apprenticeship in a trade or craft and is fully trained to work in it but hasn't achieved the master's status. Journeymen are qualified to work independently but may not have the same level of skill, reputation, or ability to teach others as a master craftsman.
While the term craftsman can apply to any gender, it historically and culturally conjures images of artisans who work with their hands, such as woodworkers, blacksmiths, or potters. These individuals often create items that are both functional and artistic, valuing craftsmanship and detail. Conversely, journeyman, a term that traditionally refers to a specific stage in the progression of skilled tradespeople, emphasizes the journey from apprenticeship to mastery, signifying a level of competency that allows them to earn a living from their trade, though they may still be working towards greater recognition or skill.
The distinction between a craftsman and a journeyman also lies in their roles and recognition within their fields. A craftsman may be self-employed, running their own business and producing work for sale or commission, or they may be highly regarded within larger manufacturing or artistic enterprises. A journeyman, while skilled and qualified, typically works under the guidance of a master or within organizations, focusing on gaining broader experience or working towards master status.
In terms of training and development, becoming a craftsman implies a dedication to the craft beyond mere qualification. It suggests a lifelong commitment to excellence, innovation, and the refinement of one's skills. A journeyman, having completed formal apprenticeship requirements, continues to learn and grow in the field, potentially aspiring to one day become a master or a renowned craftsman in their own right.
Despite these differences, both craftsmen and journeymen play crucial roles in their industries. Craftsmen push the boundaries of what is possible with their skills and creativity, while journeymen contribute to the workforce with their competent, reliable work. Both are essential to the preservation and advancement of skilled trades and crafts.
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Comparison Chart
Skill Level
High proficiency, creativity, and quality in work.
Competent and fully trained but not at master level.
Recognition
Known for excellence and expertise in a craft.
Qualified to work independently but not a master.
Employment
May be self-employed or highly valued in enterprises.
Typically works under a master or within organizations.
Role in Industry
Innovates and produces artistic or highly skilled work.
Contributes reliable, competent work towards projects.
Training and Development
Implies lifelong commitment and continuous improvement in a craft.
Focuses on gaining experience and working towards higher recognition.
Compare with Definitions
Craftsman
A person skilled in a particular craft.
The craftsman spent hours on the intricate woodwork.
Journeyman
Qualified to perform a trade without supervision.
The company hired a journeyman to oversee the project.
Craftsman
A professional excelling in craftsmanship.
The craftsman's dedication to quality set his work apart.
Journeyman
A skilled worker who has completed an apprenticeship.
As a journeyman, he was ready to work independently.
Craftsman
Someone who creates with skill and creativity.
A renowned craftsman, his furniture was in high demand.
Journeyman
Someone between an apprentice and a master.
The journeyman worked diligently, aspiring to master status.
Craftsman
Individuals practicing their trade with exceptional skill.
Craftsmen from all over the world shared their techniques at the workshop.
Journeyman
A competent professional in a craft or trade.
Journeymen contributed significantly to the construction project.
Craftsman
An artisan known for high-quality, artistic work.
Local craftsmen displayed their pottery at the fair.
Journeyman
A tradesperson continuing to learn and grow.
The journeyman attended workshops to refine his skills.
Craftsman
A man who practices a craft with great skill.
Journeyman
A journeyman is a worker, skilled in a given building trade or craft, who has successfully completed an official apprenticeship qualification. Journeymen are considered competent and authorized to work in that field as a fully qualified employee.
Craftsman
One who is highly skilled at one's trade; an artisan or artificer.
Journeyman
One who has fully served an apprenticeship in a trade or craft and is a qualified worker in another's employ.
Craftsman
A person who makes or creates material objects partly or entirely by hand.
Journeyman
An experienced and competent but undistinguished worker or athlete
"Most scientists are semiliterate journeymen with respect to the humanities" (Edward O. Wilson).
Craftsman
A person who produces arts and crafts.
Journeyman
A tradesman who has served an apprenticeship and is employed by a master tradesman.
Craftsman
One skilled in some trade or manual occupation; an artificer; a mechanic.
Journeyman
A competent but undistinguished tradesman, especially one who works, and is paid by the day.
Craftsman
A professional whose work is consistently of high quality;
As an actor he was a consummate craftsman
Journeyman
(sports) A player who plays on many different teams during the course of his career.
The Los Angeles Lakers added journeyman forward Bob McAdoo to their roster in hopes that he could help them win a title.
Craftsman
A creator of great skill in the manual arts;
The jewelry was made by internationally famous craftsmen
Journeyman
Formerly, a man hired to work by the day; now, commonly, one who has finished an apprenticeship and is a competent worker in a handicraft or trade, but has not received recognition as a master; - distinguished from apprentice and from master workman.
I have thought some of nature's journeymen had made men, and not made them well.
Craftsman
A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
Journeyman
A competent and experienced worker who performs adequately but without a high level of expertise or imagination.
Journeyman
A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
Common Curiosities
Can a journeyman become a craftsman?
Yes, a journeyman can become a craftsman by continuing to develop their skills, creativity, and reputation in their field.
Do craftsmen only work with their hands?
While craftsmen often work with their hands, the term also encompasses those who apply creativity and skill in their craft, regardless of the tools used.
How long does it take to become a journeyman?
The time it takes to become a journeyman varies by trade but typically involves several years of apprenticeship.
Are all craftsmen self-employed?
Not all craftsmen are self-employed; some may work within larger organizations, contributing their high-level skills to collaborative projects.
What does it mean to be a journeyman?
Being a journeyman means having completed the necessary apprenticeship to work independently in a trade, aiming for further growth and possibly master status.
Can journeymen work independently?
Yes, journeymen are qualified to work independently without the direct supervision of a master.
Is the term craftsman gender-specific?
Historically, it might seem gender-specific, but it is used today to refer to anyone skilled in a craft, regardless of gender.
What industries do craftsmen and journeymen work in?
They can work in various industries, including construction, art, manufacturing, and many types of skilled trades.
What is the difference between a craftsman and a journeyman?
A craftsman is known for their creativity and quality work in a craft, while a journeyman has completed an apprenticeship but is not yet a master.
Is there a formal process to become recognized as a craftsman?
Recognition as a craftsman is less about formal processes and more about the quality, creativity, and innovation demonstrated in one’s work.
Is craftsmanship only related to traditional crafts?
Craftsmanship can apply to both traditional crafts and modern industries where skill, creativity, and quality are valued.
How do craftsmen contribute to their industries?
Craftsmen contribute by producing high-quality, innovative work that can set new standards and inspire excellence within their industries.
Can someone be considered a craftsman in modern technologies?
Yes, individuals demonstrating exceptional skill and innovation in modern technologies can also be considered craftsmen in their field.
What's the significance of achieving journeyman status?
Achieving journeyman status signifies that one has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to work independently in their trade.
Does the term journeyman imply a certain level of skill?
Yes, it implies a competent level of skill and the completion of apprenticeship, though not yet at the mastery level.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
