What To Know Before Starting a Blacksmith Apprenticeship

If you enjoy working with your hands and creating art and other works, becoming a blacksmithing apprentice might be the perfect path for you. However, there are a few things to know before submitting your applications. Keep reading for insight on what to know before starting a blacksmithing apprenticeship.

Educational Requirements Needed

If you’re a student interested in blacksmithing, you should continue your studies to earn at least a high school diploma. Continuing your education to earn an associate’s degree from a technical school can help you achieve a blacksmithing education and apply for an apprenticeship faster.

A two-year degree from a trade school will help you learn more about the terminology and techniques used in the blacksmithing craft. Then, once you have your educational requirements, start taking courses or purchasing tools to practice these skills and prepare to apply for an apprenticeship.

Benefits of Becoming an Apprentice

Some soon-to-be smiths might wonder why becoming an apprentice is so important if you already meet the educational requirements. Starting an apprenticeship allows you to learn first-hand from an experienced blacksmith with years of industry knowledge. An apprenticeship offers hands-on experience that many smiths find hard to receive elsewhere. This early training will help you avoid some of the common mistakes that beginner smiths make through practice and guidance. You can also get a better idea as to whether becoming a professional blacksmith is the right path for you or if you would prefer to make it a hobby.

Daily Life of a Blacksmithing Apprentice

Before you commit to the education and training necessary to become a blacksmithing apprentice, you should also get an idea of what their daily life looks like. Blacksmithing apprentices work alongside more experienced blacksmiths in a workshop and focus on completing a variety of tasks. Apprentices practice hammering techniques and learn how to clean and maintain tools. This hands-on practice helps blacksmithing apprentices learn the craft and develop their own workflow and style.

Now that you have everything you need to know before starting a blacksmithing apprenticeship, are you considering following this career path? Becoming a blacksmith can be a rewarding and fun career or hobby for anyone.