How to become a blacksmith
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
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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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
You may need:
- 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
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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
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
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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.
Other Routes
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.
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Career tips
You usually need to show examples of your work and decorative ideas to get onto courses or if you're contacting blacksmiths about trainee positions.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British Artist Blacksmiths Association and 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.
You can also find out about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.