- Apprentice: This was the first stage, where workers would learn the basic skills of a trade under the supervision of a master craftsman. Apprentices were typically young people who were bound to a master for a period of several years.
- Journeyman: Once an apprentice had completed their apprenticeship, they would become a journeyman. Journeymen were skilled workers who were paid for their work, but were not yet considered to be masters.
- Master: The highest level of the guild system was the master craftsman. Masters were skilled workers who had demonstrated their proficiency in a trade and were admitted to the guild. Masters were typically self-employed and could employ apprentices and journeymen.