Blacksmithing & Metalwork
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
This course is designed for those wishing to extend their basic knowledge in blacksmithing and metalwork. Prospective students are likely to have completed the Level 2 Diploma in Blacksmithing & Metalwork demonstrating a good level of practical skill or have relevant work experience.
Careers Hub
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Industry Work Experience
Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. You will be required to complete 180 hours of work experience.
The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment.
Our mission is to inspire students into making contact with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.
There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk
Qualifications gained
- Subsidiary Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork (for those wishing to complete 1 year only)
- Extended Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork (2-year programme)
- Relevant additional qualifications








Course details
Dates & Location |
September 2023 |
---|---|
Duration |
2 years, full-time (Extended Diploma route) 1 year, full-time (Subsidiary Diploma route) 3 days per week in college 1 day in industry |
Costs |
£750 for materials If you will be over 19 on the start date of your course you maybe required to pay tuition fees. Please contact enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk to confirm. |
Entry Requirements
In order to be considered you must:
- Need to have achieved 4 or more GCSEs grades 9-4 (previous grade structure A-C) including English and Maths
- Successfully completed a Level 2 qualification and GCSE maths or English at grade C/4 or above
Mature students who do not possess any of the above qualifications will be considered.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Plumpton college, gaining an extraordinary amount of knowledge, skills and friends. The staff are enthusiastic, friendly and inspiring, if I ever had a problem I felt more than comfortable to go and ask for help from them.
Future Opportunities
Practical employment in the blacksmithing/metalsmithing/fabrication industry and opportunities such as:
- Self-employed Blacksmith
- Self-employed Vehicle Restorer
Apprenticeship in -
- Swordsmith
- Bladesmith
- Fabricator
- Prop-maker
Modules
Indicative Programme Content
The Extended Diploma programme is based around six mandatory core units and twelve specialist units, all other certificates are a combination of units chosen from:
- Workshop Practice
- Fabrication Drawing
- Using Forging techniques
- Using Fabrication techniques
- Drawing Practice
- Principles and methods of design
- Introductory Welding
- Small scale design and working
- Work Experience
- Large scale design and working
- Forge Practice
- Repousse and other decorative skills
- Blacksmithing and construction skills
- Business Management
- Manual Arc welding
- English & maths
- Metal Arc Gas shielded welding
Specialist units
- 2D Visual Communication
- Using Ideas to Explore, Develop and Produce Art and Design (silversmithing)
- 3D Design Briefs (silversmithing)
- 3D Design Crafts Briefs (silversmithing)
- Application of Welding Processes
- Fabrication Techniques and Sheet Metal Work
- Working with Blacksmithing Specifications and Calculations
- Introduction to Land-based Workshop Practice
- English & maths

Blacksmith Experience Day
Experience blacksmithing for the day with our one day workshops.
Click here to book

Plumpton College Talent Bank
Are you looking to do an apprenticeship but don’t yet have an employer?
Register with our Apprenticeship Talent Bank Service for up to date information on our latest vacancies and forthcoming apprenticeship events.