What Happens When I Become a Journeyman? Things to Think About

Becoming a journeyman is a significant milestone in any tradesperson’s career. Whether you're a budding electrician, plumber, carpenter, or painter in the UK, making the leap from apprentice to journeyman marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with more responsibility, better pay, more independence, and better opportunities for growth. But what exactly changes, and what should you be thinking about as you enter this new phase?

This guide is designed for DIY enthusiasts eager to go pro, young professionals entering the trades, seasoned architects and interior designers looking to work closely with skilled journeymen, and of course, skilled labourers navigating their way through the career ladder. Let’s explore what changes once you become a journeyman—and what you need to consider to make the most of this exciting step.

1. Increased Responsibility on the Job

One of the most immediate and noticeable changes when you become a journeyman is the level of responsibility expected of you on the job. During your apprenticeship, you worked under the guidance of a more experienced professional. As a journeyman, you’re now expected to carry out work independently and show a high level of skill and decision-making.

You’ll be trusted to read blueprints, assess safety requirements, allocate materials, and make judgment calls without constant oversight. This can feel daunting at first, but it's an essential part of becoming a trusted expert in your field.

For those working with renovation projects and home design, such as interior designers and architects, this increase in responsibility is crucial. It means a journeyman can engage more deeply in consultations, tackle more complex elements of a project, and contribute valuable insights based on years of hands-on experience.

It's essential at this stage to not only continue perfecting your technical skills but also cultivate soft skills such as communication, team leadership, and time management.

2. Better Pay — But With Strings Attached

Becoming a journeyman typically comes with a boost in pay. You’re now a fully qualified tradesperson, which means you can command a higher hourly rate or salary and potentially take on contracted or freelance work of your own.

However, with better income comes greater financial responsibility. You may need to invest in your own tools if you haven't already. Many journeymen also begin thinking about other costs worth planning for—such as work insurance, transport, and professional development courses.

In the UK, journeyman earnings vary depending on the trade, region, and demand. Here's a basic comparison to give you an idea:

Trade	Hourly Rate (Apprentice)	Hourly Rate (Journeyman)
Electrician	£6 - £10	£15 - £30
Plumber	£7 - £11	£16 - £28
Carpenter	£6 - £9	£14 - £25
Painter & Decorator	£6 - £8	£12 - £20

While this increase in income is exciting, proper budgeting, savings planning, and possibly working with a financial advisor is recommended—especially if you dream of opening your own business one day.

3. More Independence in Your Career

Freedom is one of the biggest perks of being a journeyman. You're no longer under daily supervision, which means you can take on jobs independently or subcontract as part of a crew. Some journeymen join larger crews for structured workdays, while others prefer the flexibility of freelance life.

This stage is also when many professionals start building up a reputation—something architects and interior designers heavily rely on when selecting subcontractors. A solid reputation leads to better projects and consistent work, so professionalism, punctuality, and communication are key.

For DIY enthusiasts transitioning into part-time or full-time trades work, this independence is an exciting first taste of running your own venture. Reviewing local regulations, licensing requirements, and safety certifications is a smart next move for anyone considering going solo or building a client base.

The UK Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a good place to start. It validates your competency and helps you get access to job sites nationwide.

4. It's Time to Specialise

Now that you’ve made it through the general education of your trade, it's time to think about specialisation. Whether you're a carpenter looking to focus on bespoke furniture, or a plumber looking to master eco-friendly heating systems, now’s the perfect time to begin carving out your niche.

Increasingly, clients—from homeowners to commercial developers—are looking for specialists. Designers often want to collaborate with tradespeople who understand certain aesthetics or materials deeply, and DIY clients are eager to hire someone skilled in exactly what they need.

You might also consider earning additional certifications or training to align with trending sectors such as sustainable construction, smart home technologies, or heritage building restoration.

The more specialised your skill set, the more in demand you’ll be—and the more you’ll be able to charge for your expertise. Specialised tradespeople often spend less time bidding on low-margin jobs and more time working with clients who value craftsmanship.

5. Mentorship Becomes a Two-Way Street

When you become a journeyman, the mentorship dynamic shifts. While you’ll continue learning from master tradesmen, you’re now in a position to guide apprentices yourself. This includes offering hands-on instruction, providing feedback, and ensuring they follow safety protocols on-site.

For anyone seriously considering a long-term career in trades or even starting their own firm, this is a powerful moment. Leading others not only helps them but also sharpens your leadership and teaching skills—qualities that will be essential if you decide to become a master tradesperson or business owner.

Mentoring others is also personally rewarding. Watching an apprentice pick up techniques you’ve taught and seeing them grow under your guidance is one of the proudest moments in any journeyman's journey.

Some trades in the UK even offer incentives for journeymen who engage in training apprentices, helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce across the industry.

6. Business and Legal Considerations

If your long-term goal is to become self-employed or start your own trades business, becoming a journeyman is a crucial stepping stone. Many tradespeople take on their first independent jobs during this phase and start laying the legal and administrative groundwork for a future enterprise.

You’ll need to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company. This decision affects your taxes, responsibilities, and how clients perceive your business. It's worth speaking with an accountant or business advisor to get the best start.

Also consider insurance—public liability insurance is a must. Depending on your field and whether you’re hiring others, you may also need professional indemnity, employer’s liability, or tool insurance.

You’ll also need to track your expenses, submit an annual self-assessment if self-employed, and keep up with VAT thresholds if you earn over a certain amount. Keeping your finances in order now will lay the foundation for serious business growth down the road.

7. Networking and Building Your Portfolio

As a journeyman, your work speaks for itself. Every project creates an opportunity to build your portfolio, showcase your talent, and gather reviews or testimonials from satisfied clients and project partners.

Start documenting your work. Take before-and-after photos, request video testimonials, and build a professional online presence—whether that’s on social platforms like Instagram or via a dedicated website. These are valuable marketing tools when working with private clients, interior designers, or project developers.

In the UK, customer trust is everything. A strong online presence, combined with memberships in trade bodies such as NICEIC (for electricians) or CIPHE (for plumbers), adds credibility and encourages repeat business.

Don’t forget to network in person, too. Attend trade shows, workshops, and community expos. Collaborating with the right architects, decorators, and contractors can lead to lucrative long-term partnerships.

Final Thoughts: It’s Just the Beginning

Becoming a journeyman is a huge achievement—but it's just the beginning of a fulfilling and dynamic career. With the right mindset, continued learning, and determination, you can transform this role into a springboard toward mastery, entrepreneurship, and creative collaboration on some truly inspiring projects.

Whether you're working on contemporary London flats, restoring period properties in Yorkshire, or styling new builds across Birmingham, what you do next as a journeyman will define your career. So take that pride, pair it with strategic planning, and get ready to level up.

And for those designing, hiring, or dreaming—the next time you need a skilled tradesperson, seek out a true journeyman: trained, capable, and ready to bring quality craftsmanship to your project.