Doug takes great pride in assisting those who have a real interest in the craft of blacksmithing, this takes many guises, one of them in the form of mentorship.
A Real Career Path?
One of the biggest things that we noticed at Caimbeul's Forge, is that there was a recurring question being asked, particularly by the parents of younger people coming for advice about potentially taking their first steps towards becoming a blacksmith. That question is, "is blacksmithing a viable career path?"
The answer to that question is of course yes, is it an easy one? No, is it a thoroughly worth while and rewarding one? Very much so! The route for becoming a blacksmith is varied and there are very few people now, who will take on an inexperienced person within the forge. So how do you get there?
There are, as we do, courses run by independent blacksmiths running taster sessions, further skills courses and intensive courses that can help boost your skill set, groups who are specifically set up to run courses and of course many colleges providing set curriculum courses for nationally recognised qualifications, such as the City and Guilds Subsidiary Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork or indeed a degree level course in Artistic Blacksmithing run at Herefordshire College.
However, for further support and further expansion during a students course, we can also provide mentorship which can give a student real insight into a working blacksmiths world, not just in the typical "work experience" format, but providing a real way in to the craft community of the blacksmith. The life of a blacksmith is not a typical one, the blacksmithing community is very involved and tight knit, with the support and guiding hand and ready advice of the older and more experienced blacksmiths given readily.
"WE ALL LEARN FROM EACH OTHER"
As a student or indeed a newly qualified blacksmith breaking into the world, it really can be quite daunting, so we aim to assist students in this and aid them during their studies to become prepared for their life as a working blacksmith, this can be very beneficial.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
- Provide a safe and professional work experience placement for 'active' course attending blacksmithing students.
- Involvement in live commission work.
- Assisting and advising with the collation of evidence within a professional working arena to go towards a portfolio, which may be submitted along with work produced in college to aid and support in the assessment of lower certification from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, such as a "Certificate of Competence".
- Involvement in and an introduction to the blacksmithing community through competitions, shows and any other events which may occur during the year.
- Encouraged to apply for any awards or bursaries which may assist them on their path to becoming a proficient and competent blacksmith, including producing a piece to be judged for the Frank Day Trophy, which is awarded at the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths Michaelmas Court awards luncheon in October.
Extra tuition is available should there be a need for furthering skills before starting the college year, to assist in becoming more competent with the basic techniques and skills needed.
Such as basic component forging, tool making and heat treatment techniques, having a bit of a jump start and the chance to build confidence with your tools such as the hammer, tongs and anvil can be a real added bonus when getting settled into the college forge.
Any extra forge time students can get really is invaluable!
Such as basic component forging, tool making and heat treatment techniques, having a bit of a jump start and the chance to build confidence with your tools such as the hammer, tongs and anvil can be a real added bonus when getting settled into the college forge.
Any extra forge time students can get really is invaluable!
You will receive demonstrations and guidance to make component parts for live commission projects and the responsibility to produce batched pieces, broadening the scope of abilities and skills of the student in an industry setting.
Students will be required to work to specification to produce bespoke components, using and possibly making the tools required to make and complete the tasks for which they have been assigned.
Using a variety of tools to cement confidence in using unfamiliar tooling and equipment to broaden the spectrum of work able to be produced and introduction to the forms and textures that can be created.
Students will be required to work to specification to produce bespoke components, using and possibly making the tools required to make and complete the tasks for which they have been assigned.
Using a variety of tools to cement confidence in using unfamiliar tooling and equipment to broaden the spectrum of work able to be produced and introduction to the forms and textures that can be created.
During your time at Caimbeul's Forge, you are encouraged to push yourself, part of this would include designing and making a piece for the Frank Day Trophy, this trophy is open to anyone with three years or less experience and is Judged by members of the committee of the Blacksmith's Guild.
This is awarded at the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths Awards Luncheon in October and is quite a lovely event and for young blacksmiths one of the ways that you can get an introduction and a sneak peek into the workings of one of the oldest Livery Companies in the country.
This is awarded at the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths Awards Luncheon in October and is quite a lovely event and for young blacksmiths one of the ways that you can get an introduction and a sneak peek into the workings of one of the oldest Livery Companies in the country.
Through the course of the blacksmiths year, there are a number of events held, including national and student competitions held by the NBCC (National Blacksmiths Competition Circuit), St. Clements Day at Finch Foundry, numerous lectures held by the NHIG (National Heritage Ironwork Group), the Ferrous Festival held in Hereford, the rising return of the International Blacksmiths Competition at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire and the final round of the national blacksmiths competition held at the Dorset County showground has a fantastic reputation and an even greater evening BBQ! Competitions can be a little daunting, but they are a great place to meet your peers, who very quickly become your friends!
Shows can also be a great way for aspiring blacksmiths to break into selling their wares and speak to potential clients regarding their first commissions as a blacksmith.
Particularly if their pieces are in and place within a shows competition, such as this chess set made by a student named Toby Smith. Toby won the Frank Day trophy for this piece and then was approached by a client who wished to have the same commissioned.
Obtaining your first commission as a student or beginner blacksmith, is a real milestone and something you never forget.
Particularly if their pieces are in and place within a shows competition, such as this chess set made by a student named Toby Smith. Toby won the Frank Day trophy for this piece and then was approached by a client who wished to have the same commissioned.
Obtaining your first commission as a student or beginner blacksmith, is a real milestone and something you never forget.