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Blacksmith

Alternative titles for this job include Forge worker, artist blacksmith

Blacksmiths create decorative and everyday items using different metals, and make and repair industrial tools and equipment.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 foundation degree or degree course that covers metalworking, such as:

  • artist blacksmithing
  • craft practices
  • design and craft
  • art and design

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills needed in this job. This could help when looking for a trainee position with a blacksmith.

Courses include:

  • blacksmithing and metalworking
  • fabrication and welding
  • art and design
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Welder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Blacksmith Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Plate or Pipe Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

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

Other Routes

You could do a short introductory 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.

More Information

Career tips

You need to show examples of your work and decorative ideas to get onto courses, and when contacting blacksmiths about trainee positions.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Artist Blacksmiths Association or The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more details about working as an artist blacksmith from the British Artist Blacksmiths Association and the Crafts Council.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • concentration skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a blacksmith, you could:

  • discuss design ideas for products with customers
  • create plans by hand or using computer aided design
  • heat metals to the right temperature in a forge or furnace
  • shape metals with hand tools like hammers, punches and anvils
  • use power tools, like drills, lathes and hydraulic presses
  • create moulds for casting
  • join metal pieces together using riveting and welding methods
  • apply finishes

Working environment

You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a foundry workshop.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, hot and noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

As an experienced craft blacksmith you could create bespoke pieces for customers, work in metalwork restoration or teach craft skills.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Welding Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,311.40 a year Annually
  • Location: B7 4LY

Apprentice Welder

  • Wage: £20,800 a year Annually
  • Location: HADLEIGH ROAD INDUSTRIAL EST, IPSWICH

Courses In England

Level 3 Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Techniques and Skills - Full time

  • Provider: CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: CHESTERFIELD

Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

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