Blacksmith

Alternative titles for this job include Forge worker, artist blacksmith

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

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

47 to 49 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become a Blacksmith

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

College

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

You could also take a Level 2 in Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalworking though this is only available in a small number of places.

There is a Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding, which may lead you into industrial blacksmith work.

A course in general metalwork or art and design may also 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) for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can get into industrial blacksmithing through an engineering or welding intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

You may be able to use this to find a trainee job with a specialist metalwork company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could work as an assistant to an experienced blacksmith and learn the craft on the job. Previous experience in metalwork and technical drawing can be useful for this career.

More information

Career tips

You'll need to show examples of your work and decorative ideas to get onto a design-related course or if contacting blacksmiths about trainee positions.

Further information

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• 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
• Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

For each job, you'll:

• sketch out new design plans 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
• use power tools, like drills, lathes and hydraulic presses
• join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods
• apply finishes

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

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

As an industrial blacksmith, you could move into workshop management. You could also train to become a design engineer.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Welding Apprentice (Head Office)

• Wage : £170.00 Weekly
• Location: Paull HU12 8AA

Welding Apprentice

• Wage : £144.30 Weekly
• Location: Shrewsbury SY1 3LD

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Welding and Fabrication (PEO) Level 2

• Provider: WEYMOUTH COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2019
• Location: WEYMOUTH

Welding and Fabrication for Craft and Leisure

• Provider: SHREWSBURY COLLEGES GROUP
• Start date: 06 March 2019
• Location: Shrewsbury

Find courses near you

Related careers

• Farrier
• Welder

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