Blacksmith

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

University

You can do a degree course in artist blacksmithing at university.

You'll need a portfolio of your work and creative ideas to show at university interviews.

Entry requirements:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do an introductory college course in working with metal before looking for a trainee position with a blacksmith.

You could do a:

• Level 3 Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalworking but there are usually only a few places available
• Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Techniques and Skills to get into industrial blacksmithing
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control to get some general blacksmithing skills
• course in general metalwork or art and design as it might give you an advantage when looking for a job

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships you can take to become a blacksmith include:

• general welder intermediate apprenticeship
• blacksmith advanced apprenticeship
• plate or pipe welder advanced apprenticeship

You may be able to use industrial welding experience to find a trainee blacksmith job with a specialist metalwork company.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could work as an assistant to an experienced blacksmith and learn the craft on the job. You might find it useful if you have experience in metalwork and technical drawing.

OtherRoutes

You'll find it useful to do a short course in blacksmithing. This will help you decide if it's a career that would suit you. The British Artist Blacksmiths Association has details of training organisations.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• knowledge of the fine arts
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to learn through your work
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Blacksmiths work with different metals to make and repair decorative, industrial and everyday items.

You could:

• sketch out new designs or follow customer instructions
• heat metals to the right temperature in a forge or furnace
• shape metals with hand tools like hammers, punches and anvils
• create moulds for casting and apply finishes
• use power tools, like drills, lathes and hydraulic presses
• join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods

Location : You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a foundry workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, hot and noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

47 - 49 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

As an experienced artist blacksmith you could set up your own gallery or teach craft skills.

As an industrial blacksmith, you could manage a workshop or train to become a design engineer.