Blacksmith Apprenticeship - How to Get One, What It Is

What is a blacksmith apprenticeship? When you wish to work as a craftsperson in a certain profession, such as blacksmithing, it's essential to locate a mentor who can assist you in developing your abilities and knowledge. Apprenticeships in blacksmithing combine job experience and instruction in one location. By conducting more research on blacksmith apprenticeships, you can ascertain how to obtain one and what to expect if you accept an apprentice position.

What is a blacksmith apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship in blacksmithing is a form of schooling in which aspiring blacksmiths work alongside one or more seasoned experts to support their business and develop their ironworking abilities. The duration of a blacksmithing apprenticeship varies but is typically four years.

What does a black apprentice do?

A blacksmith apprentice performs a range of job tasks to assist blacksmiths with their work and to help them increase their skill levels.

The following are some examples of common work tasks performed by blacksmith apprentices:

• At the conclusion of the day, clean all tools and equipment.
• Assisting blacksmiths by supplying tools and holding items while they shape metalwork.
• Taking accurate measurements of metal components and comparing them to the original plans.
• Organizing tools and other required equipment for blacksmithing.
• Maintaining a tool inventory and alerting blacksmiths when additional materials are required.
• Networking by attending client meetings with blacksmiths.
• Collaborating with blacksmiths and other trade specialists on building sites.
• Under the guidance of a blacksmith, hammering hot metal or steel to perform metalworking operations.
• Performing independent work in order to gain relevant experience and cultivate their own style.

Why is it important to apprentice in the blacksmithing field?

A blacksmith apprenticeship assists entry-level professionals in a variety of ways. Here are some examples of how completing a blacksmith apprenticeship can benefit you:

• confirms your career path: Apprenticeships are an excellent approach for individuals to evaluate whether they want to pursue a career as a blacksmith. As with internships, apprenticeships provide people with exposure to a genuine work environment and the opportunity to work with seasoned experts. This might be an excellent approach for potential blacksmiths to determine whether they wish to pursue the profession further.
• Allows you to network with other blacksmiths in the industry: By finishing an apprenticeship, you can network with coworkers and other trade experts. They can assist you in locating career possibilities and serve as references in the future.
• Enhances post-graduation employment prospects: In certain instances, apprentice blacksmiths continue working for the blacksmith or trade company where they finished their apprenticeship. In any case, having an apprenticeship on your CV might assist you in obtaining freelance work or full-time employment with other trade companies.
• Provides access to a free or low-cost education: Depending on the employer with whom you finish your apprenticeship, you can be able to learn everything there is to know about the blacksmithing craft while paying little to no money toward your education.
• Provides apprentices with a paid job while they study: Blacksmith apprentices can earn money while they learn, allowing them to dedicate their entire time to learning the craft.

How to become a blacksmith apprentice

The following stages will assist you in determining how to become a blacksmith apprentice:

Get a high school diploma

Individuals seeking blacksmith apprenticeships must possess a high school certificate. Carpentry, welding, construction, and engineering are all excellent high school subjects to pursue if they are available.

Obtain an associate's degree

While not needed, earning a two-year associate's degree in a field such as industrial technology, ironworking, welding, applied science, or metal working will help you gain the standard knowledge necessary to operate as a blacksmith. Additionally, many associate degree programs can provide students with educational sequences that incorporate apprenticeships or networking opportunities.

Take courses offered by colleges

If you are not interested in pursuing an associate's degree but would want to acquire some insight into the life of a blacksmith, there are a number of courses available that demand little time and money. Conduct an internet search for blacksmithing classes in your region to see which one best meets your needs. These courses typically last a few days to a few weeks and are designed to help you develop your abilities prior to applying for an apprenticeship.

Purchase tools

Your apprentice employer can be able to offer you with metalworking tools in some instances. Purchasing your own tools, on the other hand, enables you to practice on your own schedule. Additionally, some apprentice employers can view this as a positive because they are relieved of the responsibility of organizing extra tools for you.

Among the blacksmith tools available for purchase are the following:

• Sledgehammer
• Vice hammer
• Forges
• Punches
• Anvils
• Chisels
• Cutters
• Tongs
• Drifts
• Protective face shield
• Gloves

Market yourself

If you own your equipment and have completed a few metalworking projects, you can utilize these to sell yourself to prospective employers. You can compile a paper portfolio of your work to show prospective employers. Additionally, you can demonstrate your talents in a video format, which allows companies to view your metalworking abilities in real-time.

Reach out to local blacksmiths

Conduct an online search to determine the kind of possibilities available in your region. Even if you do not find any apprenticeship vacancies in your region, contact local blacksmiths. They can be eager to hire an apprentice. Send them a professional email presenting yourself and your wish to begin an apprenticeship.

Demonstrate your desire to learn

When communicating with prospective apprentice employers, emphasize your willingness to learn and work under the supervision of an experienced blacksmith. This demonstrates to employers that you are receptive to constructive criticism, expert guidance, and other things that contribute to the success of an apprenticeship. Additionally, it demonstrates to employers that you are a deserving apprentice applicant worth their attention. You can demonstrate your desire to learn in your initial contact email, cover letter, and interactions during job interviews.

What skills do you need to work as a blacksmith apprentice?

As a blacksmith apprentice, you need possess a number of critical abilities to ensure a successful apprenticeship. As a blacksmith apprentice, you can benefit from the following blacksmithing skills:

• Self-discipline: Although apprentice blacksmiths work under the supervision of more experienced blacksmiths, they must exercise some self-discipline in order to develop their artistry. Self-discipline is also necessary since apprentice blacksmiths must be able to identify areas for development and dedicate more time to perfecting certain trade skills.
• Adaptability: As a blacksmith apprentice, you must be able to adjust to new and more sophisticated tasks or work positions as your skill level increases. Additionally, you should exhibit versatility when following blacksmiths to various working locations and work situations.
• Math: Math competence is required during your blacksmith apprenticeship and thereafter. You must be able to collect measurements and do mathematical calculations. This has an effect on the size and shape of metal components and, eventually, on their ability to meet the requirements of a bigger project.
• Creativity: Creativity is a necessary talent to cultivate when working as a blacksmith apprentice. After completing your apprenticeship, you can have the option to create and market your own complex patterns. Your capacity to think creatively can have an impact on the sorts of metalwork items you create.
• Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is a necessary skill for both apprentices and master blacksmiths. This is because their professions require them to shape a hot piece of metal using a range of heavy equipment, including hammers. Strong hand-eye coordination enables them to work safely and accurately on metalworking jobs.
• Attention to detail: When charged with metalworking jobs, blacksmith apprentices should exhibit exceptional attention to detail. This helps them to read project plans and dimensions accurately and execute work that is in accordance with the client's specifications.
• Metalworking ability: Metalworking competence is a critical skill for blacksmith apprentices. This enables them to obtain advanced projects since their employer recognizes their competence to create metal products using the appropriate equipment and methods.

Blacksmith average salary

Blacksmith wages often vary according on skill level, company, and area of work. Professionals in comparable trade jobs such as welding earn an average of $38,208 per year, whereas ironworkers earn an average of $49,877 per year. As a result, blacksmith wages can fall between these two ranges or even exceed them.

Common questions

Questions from blacksmith job seekers looking to pursue their blacksmithing career/blacksmithing trade.

Where can I take courses to learn about blacksmithing?

Whether online or in-person, there are several excellent blacksmithing courses available that do not require the time and cost associated with lengthier, more comprehensive blacksmithing programs. Courses on basic blacksmithing, specialized methods, and making various products are available through websites like teachable.com and professional blacksmiths in your region. The advantage of individual classes is that you get to choose what you wish to study.

What will an apprentice do?

A bound apprentice was identical to a bound servant, with the exception that the apprentice was expected to get an education. Initially, the apprentice would have performed mundane chores such as cleaning. This included sweeping, cleaning forges, storing equipment, removing rust from tools, and carrying stock, fuel, and water. Generally caring for the blacksmith shop.

What are some of the blacksmith associations?

• British Artist Blacksmith Association (BABA)
• National Heritage Ironwork Group
• Armstrong Blacksmiths