Finland Occupations

Occupations were a measure of social status. Some trades were viewed as more prestigious than others. Many tradesmen, such as butchers, tanners, shoemakers, tailors, and others, were organized into guilds. The purpose of a guild was to train apprentices and regulate the practice of the trade in an area.

Guilds were usually established in each city. The records of these guilds contain lists of members, information on journeymen practicing in the town, marriages of journeymen, and advancements from apprentice to journeyman and from journeyman to master craftsman. In addition, contracts between masters and parents of apprentices may be included.

These records are usually found in the provincial archives. The Family History Library has collected records of some guilds in Finland. It also has books with biographical information about various occupations and other occupational records. To find them, look in in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog under:

FINLAND- OCCUPATIONS

FINLAND, [COUNTY]- OCCUPATIONS

FINLAND, [COUNTY], [TOWN]- OCCUPATIONS