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Journeyman


How to Become a Journeyman
Job Duties of a Journeyman
Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Journeyman
Journeyman Salary
Influential Professionals in this field
Leading Organizations for Journeymen
Top Cities for Journeyman Jobs
Other Careers of Interest

How to become a Journeyman

A Journeyman is an apprentice in a specific industry. The Journeyman is required to participate in a series of instruction courses, both on the job and in the classroom. The minimum age requirement to become a Journeyman is 18 years old. While a high school diploma is not necessary, it is recommended.

To become a Journeyman, one must decide which industry is most appealing to one's interests and skills. Currently there are more than 800 different occupations to choose from, including ironworker, electrician, plumber, cook, mechanic, welder, toolmaker, and carpenter. The best route to becoming a Journeyman is to contact the local union or a professional in the field. While unions are not necessary, it is most likely that any company offering an apprenticeship will be a part of a union. One may also contact the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee or the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor.

All apprenticeships require formal education as well as on the job training. Some of the formal education may take place on the job or at an accredited college, university, and vocational or technical school. The on the job training and supervision are necessary to ensure that the apprentice is following proper procedure and obeying safety rules and regulations. Journeymen typically work one on one with a skilled technician to learn all of the intricacies of the industry. The formal education is necessary to learn applicable shop theory and items related to the specific industry. For example, a Journeyman electrician would need to have formal education on the types of electricity and their uses, both to perform efficient tasks and also learn the dangers of the profession.

Length of a Journeyman's training depends upon the job and the specific industry as well as the skill of the worker. There are standards used by every industry. The minimum number of years for an apprenticeship is one year, but may take as long as five. Following the completion of the apprenticeship, the Journeyman will be expected to successfully complete one or more written examinations.

What does a Journeyman do?

The duties, necessary skills and qualifications, vary widely depending upon the chosen industry. Typically, a Journeyman follows the instruction of a supervisor who will be responsible for on the job training, from simple processes to complex work. The Journeyman will be expected to work full time and accompany the supervisor through a number of tasks, encompassing all areas of the trade. This may require working in a factory or traveling from location to location including other factories, businesses, residences or work sites. The Journeyman is expected to work as an assistant while also getting hands on training. Through the apprenticeship, the Journeyman is able to gain knowledge and experience provided by his superior.

Although a Journeyman may have completed his training and obtained one or more licenses, continuing education is often required to keep abreast of the advances in the industry as well as new rules and regulations in regard to manufacturing and safety.

An example of a Journeyman Baker's duties:

A person studying to be a Journeyman in the baker's industry will most likely be assigned to prepare ingredients for the items to be created by the Senior Baker. In this industry, there are several levels for a Journeyman, including: Assistant Baker (sub-Journeyman level); Baker (Journeyman level); Senior Baker (advanced Journeyman / supervisory level); and the Principal Baker (advanced Journeyman / full supervisory level).

It is imperative that the Assistant Baker know all of the tools and equipment used in a bakery. These may include mixers, specialized utensils, measuring tools, double boilers, ovens (standard and convection), stoves, refrigerators and storage units.

It is also imperative that the Assistant Baker know all of the safety precautions involved in the operation of the bakery. The Assistant Baker may be called upon to oversee appropriate documentation and observe safety precautions and requirements.

The Assistant Baker may be required to: measure, weigh, sift, and mix various baking ingredients according to established recipes; introduce yeast, shortening, oil or leavening agents; prepare breads, rolls, biscuits, pies, cakes, cookies, and puddings, desserts; fillings, and icings; weigh, sift, measure and mix ingredients to make batter and dough for various products; and prepare pans for batter or dough to baking.

The Assistant Baker may also be called upon to oversee the hygiene of the entire kitchen.

What skills or qualities do I need to become a Journeyman?

Journeymen are typically trained on the job, however, some formal education is usually required, whether it is through a traditional college, university, vocational or technical school.

The duties of a Journeyman vary widely, as do the educational requirements. In general, a Journeyman must possess:
  • Knowledge of the chosen industry
  • Shop theory
  • Advanced mathematical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to take direction
  • Team work skills
  • Ability to focus
  • Patience
  • Flexibility
  • Ability to travel and work long hours
  • Organizational skills

How much does a Journeyman make?

Because a Journeyman is the equivalent to an apprentice, it is nearly impossible to gauge an average wage. Almost all journeymen belong to a union organization related to their field of expertise. Additionally, the wages are also relevant to the geographical location and number of years of experience. Below are some examples of average earnings:

Electrician - $14.88 per hour first year; $25.04 per hour, 20 years or more
Plumber - $20.00 per hour, first year; $24.60 per hour, 20 years or more
Pipe fitter - $27.14 average hourly wage
Carpenter - $41.71 average hourly wage


Who are some influential professionals in this field?

Marion Hayes - President of BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC
Thomas Sheraton - Furniture Journeyman
Friedrich Ladegast - Cabinet Maker

What are some leading organizations in this field?

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Journeyman Stonecutters Association

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

What are the top cities for Journeyman jobs?

The top Cities for Journeyman careers are:

Houston, TX
Denver, CO
Milwaukee, WI
Honolulu, HI
Norfolk, VA

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