Blacksmith

You could:

• sketch out new designs or follow customer instructions
• heat metals to the right temperature in a forge or furnace
• shape metals with hand tools like hammers, punches and anvils
• create moulds for casting and apply finishes
• use power tools, like drills, lathes and hydraulic presses
• join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

As an experienced artist blacksmith you could set up your own gallery or teach craft skills.

As an industrial blacksmith, you could manage a workshop or train to become a design engineer.