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Blacksmith

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Blacksmiths make and repair ornamental or practical metal objects. They use traditional and modern forging techniques to form, shape and join metals such as steel, iron, brass, copper and bronze.

There are two basic types of blacksmith, industrial and artistic.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

A Modern Apprentice may start on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024). Some employers may pay their apprentices more.

Starting salaries for blacksmiths range from £15,000 to £19,000 a year. With experience this can rise to £23,000 to £28,000 a year. Highly experienced blacksmiths can earn up to £30,000 a year or more.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

You would find jobs in industry, such as engineering manufacture and repair, and in agriculture. There are also opportunities to train as a metalsmith in the Army developing skills as a welder, sheetmetal worker and blacksmith. Many blacksmiths are self-employed, especially artistic blacksmiths.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
824
0.4 %
FALL
2029
821
  United Kingdom
2024
8377
2.8 %
RISE
2029
8614

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

You need to have:

Training

Getting On

Video

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Career Area

Engineering

Career Sectors

Aeronautical Engineering

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Engineering General

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (including Fabrication and Welding)

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Offshore and Energy