<h2>Have you considered doing one of our blacksmith courses? Meet Luke Green, a Lecturer in Engineering in the Department of Advanced Engineering and Computing at Weston College and a Blacksmith.</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is a blacksmith?</strong></p>

<p>A blacksmith is someone who creates objects from wrought iron or steel. Blacksmiths forge (change the shape by hammering) the metal after it’s been heated.</p>

<p>Blacksmiths make traditional objects – such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, agricultural implements, cooking utensils and weapons – but also create more intricate items, including ornamental flowers and wedding rings.</p>

<p>While many people work with metal – such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers – blacksmiths, traditionally, are able to make and repair a wider range of items, from the most complex of weapons and armour, to simple objects like nails or lengths of chain.</p>

<p>Because of this, blacksmithing is suited to people with a range of skills and interests, including those who are:</p>

<ul>
<li>Suited to hand-on work</li>
<li>Artistic</li>
<li>Engineering focused.</li>
</ul>

<p>The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a fabulous example of where blacksmithing contributed to the creation of an impressive local structure. Blacksmiths have also made various gates, railings, sculptures and ornamental pieces around the South West.</p>

<p>Locally there are only three blacksmiths.</p>

<p>Blacksmiths are either commissioned to create one-off pieces for substantial sums of money (anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds), or produce a series of items in quantity.</p>

<p><strong>How did you become a blacksmith?</strong></p>

<p>I inherited a workshop full of old tools that had not been used for some years. Instead of throwing them out I began to work with those tools and gradually built my skill set up – from learning how to use a hammer, to building unique forges designed for custom pieces.</p>

<p>It has been a long journey, with many challenges and accomplishments, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.</p>

<p><strong>What training have you had?</strong></p>

<p>Various courses for ‘smithing’ do exist in the UK, as well as the occasional apprenticeship, but these are few are far between. We offer a Blacksmiths short course which runs for 6 weeks on a Tuesday evening 5.30-8.00pm, it provides a rare opportunity to learn this fascinating craft!</p>

<p>I have been lucky enough to have worked with Mike and Steve Goldsmith in Somerset as well as Dean Aggett in Devon.</p>

<p>I have also had the opportunity to work with Hector Cole, who fabricated the gates at Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>Tell us about some of your career highlights and achievements.</p>

<p>Since becoming a blacksmith in 2012, I have been invited to do archaeological demos at venues including Caerleon Roman Fortress and Cardiff University.</p>

<p>I have made pieces ranging from decorative and functional items (chandeliers, coat racks, hooks, boot holders, roses etc) to jewellery-based items such as wedding rings.</p>

<p>I have also produced tools and weaponry for re-enactment and bushcraft purposes – this has also extended into armoury fabrication.</p>

<p>One of the reason blacksmithing is so appealing, is that it harks back to older times – heating up metal in a fire and hammering it to shape it helps us connect with our ancestors.</p>

<p><strong>What are the benefits of learning blacksmithing?</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>You have the freedom to explore the metals</li>
<li>It’s fun</li>
<li>You can create anything - you’re only limited by your imagination</li>
<li>It’s a great stress reliever</li>
<li>It’s satisfying to create something unique.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>What advice would you give to potential students?</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat.</li>
<li>Practice, practice, practice.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Tell us about the blacksmithing course.</strong></p>

<p>The course is unique in the South West.</p>

<p>You will learn how to manipulate hot steel and produce your own metal masterpiece. You can also choose to make something from a range of small items.</p>

<p>After a simple demonstration, you will get straight into having a go. You will be guided to safely use the hand tools and incorporate design elements into practical work.</p>

<p>At the end of your day, you can expect to take away a couple of pieces of your own handcrafted work - your test piece and a finished piece.</p>

<p>Weston College runs Level 2 and 3 adult courses all year around. This course covers:</p>

<p>Week 1: Forged bottle opener (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 2: Forged fire poker (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 3: Forged tongs (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 4: Forged bottled holder (3 designs)<br />
Week 5: Forged garden basket holder (3 designs)<br />
Week 6: Forged rose/flower (3 designs)</p>

<p>Find out more and register your interest at <a href="Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat. Practice, practice, practice. Tell us about the blacksmithing course. .">https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/art-and-design/blacksmiths</a…;

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<p>Weston College has been named as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year for the third year in a row.</p>

<p>The awards were virtual this year, and were hosted by BBC personality, Ali Vowles. There were winners from across the region, as the hard work of apprentices, employers and training providers were recognised.</p>

<p>Weston College learners picked up prestigious awards too, with Harvey Castree (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy &amp; Electrical) and Danny Gould-Dyer (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Health, Wellbeing, Care &amp; Education) winning their categories.</p>

<p>The highlight of the evening was the Bristol &amp; Bath Apprentice of the Year award which went to Harvey, for his fantastic work with his employer, GKN Aerospace.</p>

<p>This is further success for the Weston College Apprenticeship Team, with Leadership and Management apprentice, Dan Green, recently winning the Gloucestershire Apprentice of the Year.</p>

<p>The College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers in the Bristol and Bath area, including the Ministry of Defence and GKN Aerospace and Royal United Hospitals Bath.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “I am delighted that we have managed to win this award for the third year in a row, it really does showcase the amazing work that goes on in this College on a daily basis.</p>

<p>“Our team are once again bucking the national trend, creating new opportunities for our learners. Our apprentices are also having huge impacts on their businesses, and it is fantastic to see.</p>

<p>“I’m also delighted for our learners, as we had six apprentices make the finals, with both Harvey and Danny coming out victorious. Our learners show such a fantastic attitude to their studies and I am thrilled to see them performing so well in such a difficult period.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jess studied a level 3 early years and education course at Weston College before progressing to higher education at UCW and is now employed in a managerial position at a specialist independent education organisation.</p>

<p>Jess said: "My time at Weston College helped me decide that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping people.”</p>

<p>The level 3 course included subjects such as child development; theories of development, learning and behaviour; health and safety and safeguarding; observation, assessment and planning, special educational needs and disability; legislations, policy and procedure; children’s health and care; early years foundation stage and key stage one, first aid and food hygiene training.</p>

<p>In 2021 the level 3 course will also include 750 hours of work placements to ensure you develop your workplace skills ready for employment. Giving you a blend of classroom learning and on-the-job experience.</p>

<p>Although Jess initially took time away from her studies to teach English in Cambodia after finishing College, she returned to UCW in 2016 and has now achieved an upper second-class honours degree in early years education at UCW.</p>

<p>“I was in UCW three days a week for the degree in early years education, which meant I had plenty of time to for my work placement and to study. I’m so grateful to my family, friends, my lecturers and everyone else at UCW who helped me. My studies at UCW set me up for success in lots of roles"</p>

<p>Sandra, Dean of Faculty said: “It’s great to see Jess’s journey through College, a gap year, UCW and now into employment. The early years courses really do open many doors and in particular the new T level will get you a nationally recognised certificate, giving you opportunities to enter the industry but also gain UCAS points towards further education.”</p>

<p>Join us:</p>

<ul>
<li>Early years and education <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/early… for 16-19 year olds</a> (including the new T Level)</li>
<li>Early years education degree at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/early-years-education-ba-hons/">UCW</a></…;
<li>Forthcoming <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">events</a></li&gt;
</ul>