> "apprentice", "journeyman", and "master" My last boss used to appoint "apprentices". They would stay as apprentices for all of 6 months (I think they got a t

> "apprentice", "journeyman", and "master" My last boss used to appoint "apprentices". They would stay as apprentices for all of 6 months (I think they got a tax-break for having apprentices). Traditionally, an apprentice in a trade would be indentured for several years, studying/serving under a master. After completing his apprenticeship, the new tradesman would be kicked out, and barred from working in the same city as his master; he was expected to travel around and broaden his experience. That might last a decade. He'd then have to convince his trade guild that he now qualified as a master, often by presenting an exceptional piece of work (a "masterpiece"). It's often said that it takes a decade to learn anything really well. I think that applies equally to programming. So the "journeyman" stage fits in with that, as a way of designating someone's skill level. But the "apprentices" I worked with were doing exactly the same work as everyone else; we were all fungible programmers. In 45 years in the industry, I worked with approximately two people I'd designate as "master".