Over my years I’ve seen, and experienced, the Journeyman vs. Apprentice mentality.

It’s a really sad situation, to be honest.

Being an apprentice is truly a rough road, especially when already not knowing the ins and outs of the industry.

Yet, you have these higher authority journeymen condescending and degrading apprentices which only discourages them to proceed the trade further, or makes for a sour working environment.

Fortunately in my apprentice years, I felt I was more favored than not. However, from the outside looking in, that allowed me to see some harsh things journeymen have said and done to apprentices they did not like.

But only being an apprentice at the time, my role could only allow me to do so much.

I call this the Journeyman Club Mentality.

There is always talk about the old construction worker mentality, and how that is gone and passed in regards to safety (P.P.E.) and showing your feelings.

But in my opinion, this mentality has only lessened, but still remains.

It’s this sense of power and inclusion to be a part of this accepted group, yet only journeymen and their favorites are allowed in. Many times, turning a blind-eye to what’s right or speaking-up in situations which could easily help that excluded individual excel.

I’ve always hated the greater than thou attitude many journeyman press on apprentices.

But here’s what’s awesome:

I’m now a journeyman.

I can not only stand up for myself, but for my fellow apprentices, too.

And the irony of this on a personal level:

I’ve learnt more from apprentices than journeymen.

(This is because of their questions, mistakes, or actual knowledge they bring to the table.)

I treat apprentices as people, and in return I get respect for not only talking to them like an individual, but for teaching and answering their questions with patience.

These traits truly do go a long way, and gain immense respect.

It’s amazing the knowledge or tip someone has if you just listen.

I’ve worked with some amazing apprentices which have been beaten down from those who are a part of this club and sour environment.

These journeymen a part of the ‘club’ treat apprentices as if they know nothing and are useless. (Harsh words, but believe me, these words and emotions are very true in these construction settings.)

We’ve already had to go through high school and experience this immature behavior from those that were older than us during those years.

If we hated that feeling, why do we let it continue by pushing it onto others in our adulthood?

This Journeyman Club Mentality has to stop.

How do we stop it?

  • Treat others how you’d like to be treated.
  • Realize your role in the workplace and use it to make the workplace an enjoyable environment.
  • Never act like you know everything. (These are some of the most embarrassing moments to learn.)
  • Always look at yourself and your actions.

The popular saying always comes to mind when working with apprentices:

Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.

Take the time out to explain the process and your apprentice will probably stop asking you repeat questions because you’re not giving them the meat of the subject.

When you become a journeyman, just remember how you were treated.

Break the cycle.

Be the difference.