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
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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
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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
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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.
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.
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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.