Blacksmith

Blacksmiths make products using metal. They make lots of different things, from candlestick holders to gates. Both traditional and modern techniques are used in this work. The work of a blacksmith should not be confused with that of a farrier. Farriers use smithing skills to make and shape horseshoes. Their work also involves checking and clipping horses’ hooves.

Also known as:

• Artist blacksmith
• Industrial blacksmith
• Metalsmith

Work activities

Blacksmiths work with metal. The majority of their work is done using very hot metal, as it is then easier to bend and shape. However, there are some tasks where the metal can be shaped whilst it is still cold using powerful tools. As well as making new products, blacksmiths often repair and renovate metal items.

There are two types of blacksmith: industrial and artist. Industrial blacksmiths can be divided up into a variety of trades, such as edge tool makers, forgemasters and certain types of toolmaker. In heavy and repetitive work, large powerful tools are used, such as power hammers, drop hammers and presses. Industrial blacksmiths are employed in a wide range of industries, like mining, quarrying, agricultural engineering, shipbuilding and repair.

Artist blacksmiths use both hand and power tools to make lots of different things. Some of the objects made by blacksmiths include:

• Balconies and staircases.
• Furniture, such as fireplaces and chairs.
• Gates and railings.
• Sculpture.

Before starting a job, blacksmiths need to prepare a sketch or plan of what they want to make. Using the sketch, the blacksmith will then work out assess how much metal is needed to complete the job. After working out materials, they then need to estimate how many working hours it will take to finish the job. Blacksmiths usually wear some form of protective clothing, for example, leather aprons and gloves, safety glasses or goggles. The working environment can be noisy, dirty and hot. When welding they use tinted goggles to protect their eyes from the ultra-violet light.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Good practical skills.
• To be reasonably fit as much of a blacksmith’s work involves physical strength.
• Good hand-eye co-ordination.
• An eye for design, if you’re working in the craft side of blacksmithing.
• People skills, if you come into contact with customers as part of your job.
• Some maths ability for carrying out measurements and making calculations.

You might also have to prepare quotes for customers and do your own accounts if you are self-employed.

Working conditions may be dusty, so the job may not be suited to you if you have allergies or conditions such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

Most blacksmiths are self-employed and income levels vary greatly, depending upon levels of work.

Blacksmiths work around 47-49 hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime and weekend work, as required. Demand for blacksmiths is steady.

Employers are firms involved in engineering maintenance, repair and production work. There may be opportunities in the Army, which trains and employs soldier blacksmiths. In the armed forces, blacksmiths are usually known as metalsmiths. Opportunities for blacksmiths occur in workshops in towns and cities throughout the UK.

A large proportion of blacksmiths are self-employed. Artist blacksmiths may be self-employed, or working part-time until they have enough commissions to earn a full-time living from the work.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of blacksmith is a great way into this career path. Entrants to this career either apply directly to blacksmith firms and train under the blacksmith, or attend relevant college or higher education courses. The British Artist Blacksmiths’ Association (BABA) produces a list of suitable courses.

It is very common for blacksmiths to become self-employed. For employed blacksmiths, progression is usually to supervisory positions.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for courses vary from place to place. An interest and some ability in metalwork and design is often more important than academic qualifications. However, it’s always useful to have some GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Useful subjects include manufacturing, maths, and design and technology (resistant materials). Some people enter the job by working as an apprentice to an experienced blacksmith. This will often mean no academic qualifications are needed, but a strong interest in the work and a good level of practical ability are essential.

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

There are degree level course available – see the BABA website.

For a degree, you’ll generally need:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Subjects such as design and technology (resistant materials) and chemistry can also be useful.

Alternatives to A-levels may include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB0 diploma.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some people enter this job after gaining skills in other areas that involve metalworking. Knowledge of and/or qualifications in metalwork and technical drawing can be an advantage.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Related careers

• Farrier
• Metal engraver
• Toolmaker
• Welder