Blacksmithing Apprenticeship
AIM Qualification and Assessment Group, Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College
The apprenticeship will concentrate on training for the work based practical skills that form the core of the blacksmith craft. As such, the training and assessment within the apprenticeship is very much focussed on those elements. Due to the multi-skilled nature of the Blacksmith, training will be three years, allowing for acquisition of the necessary craft skills.
Blacksmith skills cover a broad range and they may choose to concentrate on one particular aspect such as artistic, architectural, heritage or industrial. As such, they will be expected to be aware of the context and relevant areas of their craft such as historical aesthetic and technical changes, as well as current methods, design movements, makers and technical advances.
They will be using forged metals (mainly ferrous) often combined with other mixed media sometimes working in collaboration with other crafts persons. Blacksmiths most commonly work to commission when making larger workpieces but will often make smaller scale products for direct retail or supply wholesale to shops and galleries. The larger work will often involve the need for site installation. Many blacksmiths fit their own work on site such as gates and railings, which often involves working with other craftspeople and professionals. Site work can involve working in locations such as sensitive historical sites (when undertaking conservation for heritage organisations or private clients), large corporate developments (when fitting a public art piece) or a private home (when fitting a front gate). Blacksmiths have to work within legislation and regulation, managing issues such as health and safety, environmental concerns, building construction and listing requirements.
The apprenticeship will be on a block release basis, and all ‘off the job’ training will be undertaken at our Holme Lacy Campus and will cover a range of knowledge, skills and behaviour appropriate to the profession of Blacksmithing.
Knowledge:
- Health and Safety
- The properties and effectiveness of heat on forgeable metals
- Combining meths and other media
- Effective use of tools
- Quality standards and production of data sheets
- Use of design and CAD
- Manufacturer conservation
- Repair of metal work
- Context of craft
Skills:
- Health and safety and working environment
- Technical interpretation and understanding of specifications sample drawing and specific instructions
- Production of technical drawings and design
- Using appropriate techniques and repair standards
- Hot forging
- Thermal welding and cutting
- Machining
- Bench work
- Tools materials
- Equipment use
- Finishing and protecting work
- Fitting
Behaviours:
- Promoting a positive safety culture
- Ensuring focus on producing quality and high standard work
- Professionalism and the ethics and requirements to maintain this
- Self-development and reflection
Apprentices without English and Mathematics at level 2 must achieve level 2 prior to taking their End Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3, and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.
Entry Requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements but this may typically include the equivalent of a Btec level 2 Technical Diploma in Blacksmithing or equivalent relevant forge experience.
Apprenticeship Level
Level 3
Employers who wish to register an employee for the apprenticeship should contact :-
Adam Greenwell (Blacksmith Tutor)
Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College
Folly Lane
Hereford
HR1 1LS