Career path and progression
As an experienced artist blacksmith you could set up your own workshop. You could also teach your skills to others.
As an industrial blacksmith, you could move into workshop management. You could also train to become a design engineer.
How do I become a blacksmith?
University
You can do a degree in artist blacksmithing from Hereford College of Arts.
You'll need a portfolio of your work and creative ideas for course interviews.
You'll usually need:
- a foundation studies diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
College
You could take 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.
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
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.
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