blacksmith

The work

Blacksmiths form, shape and join metal by hot forging.

Artist blacksmiths:

• make decorative items such as wrought iron gates, railings, sculptures and furniture
• produce their own style and designs or create pieces to suit specific commissions
• sometimes restore antique ironwork
• find markets for their work, for example by attending craft shows and fairs
• carry out the administrative tasks involved in running a business.

Industrial blacksmiths make functional items for use in industry or on business premises, such as:

• large industrial components
• fire escapes
• specialist tools.

Blacksmiths may use:

• traditional hand tools such as hammers and anvils
• power tools, such as power hammers, drills, air chisels and hydraulic presses
• engineering machinery such as centre lathes, millers, grinders and welding equipment
• various metals, including wrought iron, mild steel, brass, bronze, copper.

They:

• heat the metal to the correct temperature so that it can be shaped
• if necessary, join it to another piece of metal by various methods of welding and riveting
• ‘finish’ the metal for its required use.

Some blacksmiths are trained and registered as farriers, and shoe horses alongside their blacksmithing work. Please see the Farrier profile for details of this career.

Hours and Environment

Blacksmiths generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be available. Most blacksmiths are self employed or work in small businesses.

Forges vary in size from small sheds to large engineering workshops. Most of the work is done under cover, but installation can involve working outdoors on customers' premises. Conditions can be hot, noisy, dirty and contain fumes from oils, paints or chemicals.

The work can be physically demanding, with a lot of standing, lifting and bending. Industrial blacksmithing in particular can involve heavy lifting and strenuous work, although power tools are increasingly used for the heavier aspects.

Blacksmiths wear protective clothing such as boots, apron, gloves, safety glasses or a visor, and ear defenders.

Skills and Interests

To be a blacksmith you should:

• be physically fit and have stamina
• have good hand-to-eye co-ordination
• have good concentration, as much of the work is repetitive
• be technically-minded and enjoy problem solving
• be motivated and self-disciplined to be able to work alone
• have good business skills if you want to be self-employed
• have creative and design abilities if you want to specialise as an artist blacksmith.

Entry

You can become a blacksmith in two ways:

• by doing a full-time college course
• by learning the trade from an experienced blacksmith who is willing to offer on-the-job training.

If you want to train with a blacksmith, you will need to approach individual blacksmiths to see if they are willing to take you on. You can find a directory of blacksmiths on the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths website. Please see the Further Information section of this profile for a link to the website. 

There are no formal apprenticeship schemes for young people in blacksmithing, as there are no specific NVQs/SVQs for this work. If you are aged between 16 and 24 it may be possible to train for industrial blacksmithing by doing an apprenticeship in engineering, combining training for NVQs/SVQs in Fabrication and Welding with working for a blacksmith or specialist company. See the Training section for further information on apprenticeships.

You can do full-time courses which concentrate either on traditional blacksmithing skills or on design. 

Relevant courses include the following:

• BTEC/Edexcel National Certificate in Blacksmithing and Metalworking, which is a one year full-time course
• BTEC/Edexcel National Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalworking, a one year full-time course for those who have completed the national certificate or have previous experience in metalwork and/or art and design
• Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forged Metals at Herefordshire College of Technology Rural Crafts Centre (please see Further Information for contact details)
• BA (Hons) degree in Artist Blacksmithing at Herefordshire College of Technology Rural Crafts Centre
• HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees in design which include metalwork. 

The British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) website has information on finding courses - please see the Further Information section.

Entry requirements may vary so you should check with individual colleges and universities.

For design-related HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees you will usually need one of the following:

• two subjects at A level
• a recognised Art and Design Foundation Course
• another Level 3 qualification, such as an AVCE in Art and Design or a BTEC National Diploma in a relevant subject area.

You will also usually need a portfolio of relevant artwork.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Some people take up blacksmithing as a second career. If you are considering this, it will be an advantage if you have experience in engineering or heritage or have attended short special interest courses in design or wrought iron work. This type of course can be useful for producing work for a portfolio.

Training

You can develop your skills and interests by doing short special interest courses. These are run by blacksmithing schools, experienced blacksmiths and professional bodies. They include day, weekend and residential courses. Please see the BABA website for details.

You can also gain awards from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, depending on your level of ability and achievement.. Please see the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths website for details. There is a link to the website in the Further Information.

Engineering apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There are opportunities for industrial blacksmiths in the armed forces, mining, docks, steel and engineering for maintenance, repair and production, although demand is decreasing.

Most blacksmiths are self-employed or work for small family businesses. In larger organisations there may be opportunities for promotion to supervisor. Some overseas work may be available.

Artist blacksmiths may also have other jobs to supplement their income.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Earnings vary a great deal, as most blacksmiths are self-employed.

Blacksmith may earn from around £10,000 to around £16,000 a year.
Some experienced blacksmiths may earn £25,000 or more.

Further information

Folly Lane
Hereford
HR1 1LS
Tel: 0800 032 1986

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