Use the audio bar to play this job’s narration.
Overview
Blacksmiths use a variety of tools, hammers and tongs to shape heated metal to make and repair a variety of metal articles by heating, hammering and bending.
Activities
- Working with your hands, heat, hammers, tongs to mould and shape metal
- Working with a heated forge
- You will need to talk to customers as each piece of work you make will be built as a unique piece very often
- You will need to be able to lift and load sometimes heavy items of metal
Organisations
Blacksmiths generally work on their own rather than in a team, and they work for agricultural employers such as farms for horseshoes, tractor repairs etc. You will find jobs in foundry and forges such as Moreton Forge in Moretonhampsted and Branscombe Forge in Seaton.
Workplace
You will work mainly indoors, and you will be by a heat source such as a forge, so you will be hot. Protective clothing and goggles will be part of what you wear to keep you safe. The work is creative, but sometimes repetitive when you make a lot of the same item, for instance.
Working Hours
47-49 hours per week, variable dependent on work available so you would manage your own hours.
Salary
£15,000 to £30,000 per year.
Predicted trends -10.5% decrease leading to: 416 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
The majority of people employed in this role will hold an intermediate apprenticeship or GCSEs at Grades 9-4 (A-C). However, some employers may be more flexible and look at your practical abilities. You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications.
The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.