Apprentice vs. Tradesman — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade under the supervision of a skilled professional. A tradesman is a skilled worker who has completed training and is proficient in a specific trade.
Difference Between Apprentice and Tradesman
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An apprentice is an individual in the early stages of their career, undergoing practical training and education in a specific trade. They work under the guidance of experienced tradesmen or professionals to develop their skills. A tradesman, on the other hand, is a worker who has completed their apprenticeship and is fully qualified in their trade. Tradesmen possess practical experience and expertise in their field, whether it be carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or another skilled trade.
Apprenticeships are temporary, lasting several years depending on the trade and country-specific regulations. During this period, apprentices earn a lower wage as they gain experience. In contrast, tradesmen are permanent workers who command higher wages due to their skills and qualifications.
While apprentices focus on learning and developing their abilities, tradesmen apply their expertise to complete jobs efficiently and effectively. The transition from apprentice to tradesman marks a significant milestone in a person's career, indicating a move from novice to professional.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Learner in a trade under supervision
Skilled worker proficient in a specific trade
Experience Level
Early stages, in training
Completed training, experienced
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Role
Learning and gaining skills
Applying expertise, performing specialized tasks
Employment Status
Temporary, typically lasts several years
Permanent, fully qualified
Compensation
Lower wage during training
Higher wage due to skills and qualifications
Independence
Works under supervision
Can work independently or as part of a team
Compare with Definitions
Apprentice
Combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
As an apprentice electrician, she attended classes twice a week.
Tradesman
A skilled worker proficient in a specific trade.
The tradesman completed the electrical installation with precision.
Apprentice
Works at a lower wage while gaining experience.
The apprentice earns less than a certified tradesman but gains valuable skills.
Tradesman
Earns a higher wage due to expertise and qualifications.
As a certified tradesman, he commands a higher salary for his specialized skills.
Apprentice
Training period lasts several years.
Her apprenticeship in plumbing lasted four years before she became certified.
Tradesman
Performs specialized tasks within their trade.
The tradesman was known for his expertise in advanced plumbing systems.
Apprentice
Typically in the early stages of their career.
The young man began his career as an apprentice in a local machine shop.
Tradesman
Can work independently or as part of a team.
The tradesman often worked on construction sites independently.
Apprentice
One bound by legal agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for instruction in a trade, art, or business.
Tradesman
A tradesman is a skilled worker that specializes in a particular trade (occupation or field of work). Tradesmen usually have work experience, on-the-job training, and often formal vocational education in contrast to an apprentice, who is learning the trade.
Apprentice
One who is learning a trade or occupation, especially as a member of a labor union.
Tradesman
A man who practices a manual trade.
Apprentice
A beginner; a learner.
Tradesman
A man who is a merchant.
Apprentice
To work as an apprentice
She apprenticed at the ceramics studio.
Tradesman
A skilled manual worker (implied male).
Apprentice
To engage as an apprentice
In colonial times many children were apprenticed to craftsmen.
Tradesman
(archaic) One who trades; a shopkeeper.
Apprentice
A trainee, especially in a skilled trade.
Tradesman
One who trades; a shopkeeper.
Apprentice
(historical) One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a tradesperson, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.
Tradesman
A mechanic or artificer; esp., one whose livelihood depends upon the labor of his hands.
Apprentice
(dated) One not well versed in a subject; a tyro or newbie.
Tradesman
A merchant who owns or manages a shop
Apprentice
(transitive) To put under the care and supervision of a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.
His father had apprenticed him to a silk merchant.
He was apprenticed to a local employer.
Tradesman
Has completed apprenticeship and gained certification.
After finishing his apprenticeship, he became a certified tradesman.
Apprentice
(transitive) To be an apprentice to.
Joe apprenticed three different photographers before setting up his own studio.
Apprentice
One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a mechanic, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.
Apprentice
One not well versed in a subject; a tyro.
Apprentice
A barrister, considered a learner of law till of sixteen years' standing, when he might be called to the rank of serjeant.
Apprentice
To bind to, or put under the care of, a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.
Apprentice
Works for an expert to learn a trade
Apprentice
Be or work as an apprentice;
She apprenticed with the great master
Apprentice
In training;
An apprentice carpenter
Apprentice
A person learning a trade under a skilled professional's guidance.
The apprentice spent three years learning carpentry from a master carpenter.
Common Curiosities
Can tradesmen work independently?
Yes, tradesmen can work independently or as part of a team.
What is an apprentice?
An apprentice is a person learning a trade under the supervision of a skilled professional.
What is the main role of a tradesman?
The main role of a tradesman is to apply their expertise to perform specialized tasks within their trade.
What is a tradesman?
A tradesman is a skilled worker who has completed training and is proficient in a specific trade.
Do apprentices earn wages?
Yes, apprentices earn wages, but typically lower than those of certified tradesmen.
What is the difference in compensation between an apprentice and a tradesman?
Apprentices earn a lower wage while in training, whereas tradesmen earn higher wages due to their skills and qualifications.
Is a tradesman’s job temporary or permanent?
A tradesman’s job is typically permanent, as they are fully qualified workers.
What does it mean to complete an apprenticeship?
Completing an apprenticeship means gaining the necessary skills and qualifications to become a certified tradesman.
Do apprentices receive classroom instruction?
Yes, apprentices typically receive a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
An apprenticeship typically lasts several years, depending on the trade and location.
What is the main focus of an apprentice?
The main focus of an apprentice is to learn and develop skills in their chosen trade.
Is an apprenticeship temporary or permanent?
An apprenticeship is temporary, usually lasting several years until certification is achieved.
Do tradesmen need supervision?
Tradesmen do not typically need supervision as they are skilled and experienced in their trade.
What types of trades do apprentices and tradesmen work in?
Apprentices and tradesmen work in various trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.
Can an apprentice become a tradesman?
Yes, an apprentice can become a tradesman after completing their training and gaining certification.
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Written by
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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
