You can request 5 workers per 24hrs, then when you have your five, you can go onto working on building items. You can only build one item per 24hrs. Items you can build per level is as follows :

Level 1 Bloody Mess, Maggot Infestation/inflict blindness and Split Soul 35/55

Level 2- Raven Spy, Summon Superior Taxi Driver and Trial by Fire 40/60

Level 3- Insatiable Thirst, Summon Succubus and Claws of Chaos 75/35

Level 4- Exsanguinate, Anim......al Senses and Everlasting Nightmare 75/40

Level 5- Grave Touch, Demon Wings and Glacial Freeze 60/60

Level 6 Cloak Mind, Serpent Skin and Shadow Warrior 65/60

Level 7 Regeneration, SSOK and Black Rose Miasma 50/80

Level 8 CRW, Carmilla and Crown of Thorns 55/85

Level 9 Unholy Incantation, Draculs Rage and Ride the Lightning 75/75

Level 10 Wail of Banshee, Sirens Call and Strength In Numbers 60/100

you also need to collect the mission items to upgrade :
Charcoals, Hammer, Parchments etc...

Mission Drops
Fledgling - Fight a Sewer Wererat -	Drops Stealth
Neophyte - End the Unlife of a Lich	Drops Aggression
Adept - Fight Another Vampire For Mental Dominance	Drops Stealth
Savant - Exterminate A Rival Clan	Drops Aggression
Stalker - Imbibe the Spider Queen's blood	Drops Stealth
Deathbringer - Create a Diversion	Drops Aggression
Vindicator - Meet with Lord Draven	Drops Stealth
Scion - Prepare the Altar	Drops Aggression
Reaper - Accept their Challenge	Drops Stealth
Nightshade - Journey through dimensional rift	Drops Stealth and Anvil
Gained  from invite as other clans worker	Magic
request from or gift  to clan	Swiftness
request from or gift  to clan	Hammer
request from or gift  to clan	charcol
request from or gift  to clan	Parchment
request from or gift  to clan	Metal ores