From journeyman to self-employed: workshop, restoration and craftsmanship

With the journeyman's certificate in hand a blacksmith stands with a rare trade and many directions to go in. Because the trades are small and specialised skilled blacksmiths are sought after — but the market requires you to find your niche. Some stay in an established workshop others start for themselves and still others specialise in restoring cultural heritage. What is shared is that the craft truly matures in the years after education.

Many metalworkers work in specialized metal workshops with lamp and fitting producers in craft art companies or in industry where the craft's techniques are used for finishing prototypes and special work. Here you gain experience colleagues to learn from and access to machines that would be expensive to purchase yourself. For many a permanent position in a good workshop is the path to becoming truly skilled before possibly striking out as self-employed.

Some metalworkers establish themselves as independent craftspeople and live off unique pieces, commissioned work, repair and sales through galleries, markets and webshop. Beyond craftsmanship it also requires business sense: pricing, customer contact, marketing and financial control. The advantage is artistic freedom and the chance to build a personal name; the downside is the uncertainty that comes with standing on your own.

Restoration is a growing field for blacksmiths. Protected and heritage buildings, churches and museums have a continuous need for craftspeople who can repair and recreate historical metalwork with respect for the original techniques. Copper roofing, old fittings, chandeliers and church furnishings must be maintained by someone who knows the classical methods. Here the blacksmith's tradition-bound skill is directly in demand.

Learning does not stop at the journeyman's certificate. Via further vocational education (AMU) you can update your skills in, for example, silversmith technique, engraving, welding or new machinery, and you can progress towards technical academy qualifications if you want to go in a more technical or management direction. Keeping your professional skills sharp and learning new techniques is essential to keep up, regardless of which path you choose.

Start well

• 01Build experience in a good workshop before you possibly become self-employed
• 02Find your niche — specialization is the metal smith's strength
• 03Learn to price and run a business if you want to stand alone
• 04Stay current with AMU and new techniques
• 05Network in the profession — small trades live by word of mouth

“The craft gives you your hands — the rest of your career is about what you use them for.”