Blacksmith apprenticeship

Use craft, art and skill to design, shape and join metal components by hot forging and other metal working processes

As a blacksmith, you will use your craft to design, shape and join metal components by hot forging and other metal working processes for small batch or bespoke production and/or heritage metalwork conservation. Your work may involve the production of large or small-scale work ranging from architectural ironwork such as public art sculptures, gates and railings, to domestic decorative and functional objects such as furniture, fireplace tools, and mirror frames. During the blacksmith apprenticeship you may also produce tools for yourself and others such as tongs for the forge, wood-turning tools for the local carpenter and industrial tools such as spanners or forged components for delivery to a factory as part of a production line. As a blacksmith, you will most commonly work to commission when making larger work pieces, but will often make smaller scale products for direct retail or supply wholesale to shops and galleries.

Duration: 48 months

Relevant school subjects: Art and DT

Entry requirements for the blacksmith apprenticeship: Equivalent of a BTEC level 2 technical diploma in blacksmithing or equivalent relevant forge experience

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced) – equivalent to A-levels

Potential salary upon completion: £25,000

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk