Blacksmiths work with different metals to make and repair decorative, industrial and everyday items. On a day to day basis you may sketch out new designs 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, create moulds for casting and apply finishes, use power tools, like drills, lathes and hydraulic presses, join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods and much more. 

Taken from gov 2024. 

The main routes to get into this role are:

• A university course- you could undertake a degree for this role. 

• A college course- there are various different courses which you could undertake for this role. 

• An apprenticeship- you could gain an apprenticeship for this role. 

• Working towards this role- you could gain an entry level job and work your way up. 

• Specialist courses run by private training organisations. 

You will usually need to have 2-3 a levels to undertake a relevant degree. 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.

Personal Statement Support

https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/blacksmith/skills-and-qualities

https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/news/success-story-luke-s-myerscough-course-is-the-gateway-to-new-blacksmithing-career/

https://www.macdonaldforge.com/artist-statement-dave-macdonald

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.

Apprenticeship Finders

https://careerfinder.ucas.com/

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Interview Help

https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/24374-interview-with-a-blacksmith/

https://www.zephyrhillblog.com/2019/04/getting-started-an-interview-with-a-novice-blacksmith/