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The Level 2 Technical Diploma in Blacksmithing is a one year course designed to give you a broad understanding of the industry. It is the ideal qualification if you are intending to progress directly to employment in blacksmithing or may be useful if you are looking towards gaining a farriery apprenticeship. A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by casting and forging the metal. Blacksmiths practise a highly skilled trade that requires many hours of training in order to understand the properties of metals, to master the tools to hammer, bend and cut, and to develop the skills needed to create objects, including horseshoes. Farriery is the ancient and highly-skilled craft of making and fitting horseshoes. It demands the skills to handle horses and identify any health and fitness problems. All farriers must be registered, and today there are more than 2,600 in the UK.
This qualification has been developed in consultation with employers in the blacksmithing sector to ensure that you learn the skills and behaviours that will give you the best opportunity to be successful when applying for work. There are six mandatory units and an optional unit that relate directly to the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected by employers in the blacksmithing sector. If you are looking to gain a farriery apprenticeship, you are required to have 5 GCSE’s at level 4 (grade C) or equivalent to include English, Maths and Science. There is an opportunity to gain GCSE level 4 in Maths and English whilst completing this course. Costs that are optional for the course: Total Cost Range £50 - £100
Friday 6th March 2026, 10am-3pm
Hedgerows are not (just) for keeping the livestock secure. Join Friends of the Lake District to discover the many ways hedges can benefit your farm, wildlife and the wider environment, and discuss what management approaches help them live up to their impressive potential, from planting all the way…
Tuesday 24th February 2026, 10am-4pm at a venue tbc in Eden Valley
An introductory session exploring the traditional landscape management technique of hedgelaying which is much in demand across different landscapes! Booking essential.
Friday 13th February 2026, 10am-4pm at Gosling Sike
An introductory session exploring the creation of new orchards as well as managing established orchards, with a focus on community orchards. Booking essential.
Farming + Technology
Monday 2nd February 2025 - 9am - 4pm
This course will take place at Westmorland Agricultural Society, Lane Farm, Crooklands, LA7 7NG with assessment on the morning of Friday 6th FebruaryMember price - £160+VAT. Contact the office to book your place on 01768 868615 or email admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk
Furness College Open Day 20 November
Myerscough College Course Advice Morning 6 December
Cumbrian Agriculture, Arboriculture and Forestry Apprenticeship INFORMATION EVENINGS
