A journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed an apprenticeship and can work independently in their trade, but hasn't yet reached master level.

In medieval times, a young person learning a craft like blacksmithing or carpentry would start as an apprentice, working for years under a master's guidance. After proving their skills, they'd become a journeyman, free to work for different masters or take jobs around town. Only after more years of excellent work might they achieve master status and train apprentices of their own.

Today, journeyman still describes someone in the middle stage of skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, or welding. A journeyman electrician knows their craft well and works without constant supervision, though they might learn advanced techniques from master electricians.

The word also describes athletes or workers who are reliably competent but not superstars. A journeyman pitcher in baseball might play for several teams across a long career, performing solidly without becoming famous. There's no shame in being a journeyman: these are dependable, skilled people who keep things running smoothly.