Blacksmith

As a blacksmith you work with metal. You shape assemble and process steel and other metals into everything from stairs and railings to large machinery and structures. You learn metalworking welding and to control CNC machinery and when you are done you have a journeyman's certificate as a blacksmith — a craft with many directions.

§What do you do in everyday life?

You measure up, cut and bend metal, weld parts together and assemble them into finished structures. You read drawings and turn them into something that can hold and carry. Some smiths stand at the welding machine, others program CNC machines that cut and drill with great precision. You may end up in a workshop, on a building site or in an industrial company — or on board a ship if you take the maritime route.

• 01You learn metal processing and shaping steel so it fits and holds.
• 02You become good at welding different materials correctly and safely.
• 03You learn to operate and program CNC machines with high precision.
• 04You learn to read technical drawings and build constructions according to them.
• 05You get a versatile trade with many specialties and branches to choose from.

§How do you get started?

You typically start with a basic course at a vocational school where you learn the basics in the workshop. You then need an apprenticeship at a smithy or industrial company where you alternate between school and practical training. You get paid throughout your education and learn the trade in practice with experienced smiths.

§The way forward

Skilled blacksmiths are in demand in both industry, construction, and at shipyards. With the journeyman's certificate you can specialize, become a certified welder, take on leadership as foreman, or start your own workshop. Want to continue at school, the blacksmith training can be a springboard to technical higher education.

“Give a blacksmith a piece of steel and a drawing — and something that holds gets made.”