Using craft, art or skill 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.
Occupational Profile
A blacksmith is someone who uses their craft, art or skill 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. The job 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. Also produced are tools for themselves and other crafts such as tongs for the forge, wood turning tools for the local carpenter as well as industrial tools such as spanners or forged components for delivery to a factory as part of a production line.
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.
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. Most blacksmithing businesses operate in the crafts sector rather than in large scale manufacturing and will consist of no more than one or two people including the employer. Blacksmiths will often be expected to work as a member of a close-knit team, usually directly with their employer and other staff. After a period of gaining experience and the trust of their employer, they will occasionally be required to work without direct supervision, perhaps for a day at a time when, for example, their employer has to be away from the forge on a client visit.
Summary of Standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/blacksmith/
Full Standard
