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Job Description: "Under a spreading chestnut tree the village smithy stands ....." according to the famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow highlighting the skills of a local craftsperson. Early in American history, forges and furnaces used by blacksmiths helped the colonies declare its independence from England. Although this skill is classified as folk art today, many artisans have resolved to perpetuate the noble art of blacksmithing. Apprentice blacksmiths are paid trainees who are learning the skills of experienced blacksmiths. They learn to shape and forge iron with a hammer and anvil. Blacksmith artists wish to preserve the bond with the past, serve the needs of the present, and forge a bridge to the future with their skill.

Duties: Apprentice blacksmiths learn to use a forge to heat metal. They use a hammer and anvil to form the heated metal. After forming the metal, it is usually heat-treated to obtain its desired properties. Some apprentice blacksmiths also learn general maintenance and repair duties. Apprentice blacksmiths may perform some or all of the following duties:

• Position tools and equipment
• Build and maintain the fire in the forge
• Maintain the firepot and reduce the incidence of "clinkers" (slag from impurities in the coal)
• Smelt wrought iron and hammer it into billets
• Draw out the stock to the desired shape

Working Conditions: Blacksmithing can be dangerous. Working with fire, swinging heavy hammers, and striking tools and other metal objects are inherently hazardous. Safety glasses should be worn at all times to protect the eyes. Working conditions may be hot, dirty, and noisy. Some blacksmiths work in living history museums, theme parks, or craft stores while others are self-employed. A normal work week consists of 40 hours. During the apprenticeship period, attendance at night classes is required.

Educational Requirements: An apprentice blacksmith must have completed a high school education or the equivalent (G.E.D.) and must pass an aptitude test to qualify for training. Through approximately 150 hours of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, apprentice blacksmiths learn to heat and shape metal tools, structural parts, and farm and industrial equipment. To become an apprentice in a formal program, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25. For related information students may visit the Standards of Apprenticeship online. The Appalachian Blacksmiths Association has compiled a list of Blacksmithing Schools in North America.

Outlook: Overall employment in this field is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 23, 2008