Tim Drayton Aug 5, 2015:

Oxford dictionary definition The term 'journeyman' belongs to the Middle Ages, too, which is another reason why I wouldn't use it to describe a modern institution.
However, the Oxford dictionary defines it as: "One who, having served his apprenticeship to a handicraft or trade, is qualified to work at it for days' wages; a qualified mechanic or artisan who works for another. Distinguished on one side from apprentice, on the other from master."
From the above definition, especially in terms of being an intermediate stage between an apprentice and a master, this does sound more like the Turkish 'kalfa'.
I see Redhouse gives 'assistant master'.

Elif Baykara Narbay Aug 4, 2015:

Thank you for this very interesting information. I got curious and made quick research. In the middle ages, workers (after completing the apprenticeship) were to travel/wander and work for other masters to gain deeper knowledge. The German words is "Geselle". The Geselle had to wander (Wandergeselle// Wanderjahren). This requirement ended with the industrial age but the term remained. There is no such rule in Turkey (I don't know about earlier times).
I can't write more for the moment (I'm on mobile) but I may add some more info and relevant links in case you are interested.

Tim Drayton Aug 4, 2015:

journeyman A journeyman is not the same as a 'kalfa'; a journeyman has fully served his time as an apprentice but continues to work in another's employ.