Blacksmithing is an age old craft that combines art and accuracy and is making a comeback in Canada. The restoration of architecture, bespoke metalwork, and utilitarian tools to be used in industries, there has been an increase in appreciation of the craftsmanship that blacksmiths have to offer. Whether you are a master smith or a beginner smith who wants to leave his/her mark, you have come to the right place.
This guide will touch on some of the best employers of blacksmiths in Canada this year, the skills that these employers require and how you can place yourself in a good position to secure these exciting opportunities.
Why is Blacksmithing in Demand in Canada?
Blacksmithing has a place in the current architecture, historical restoration and custom-made work due to its focus on sustainability and quality rather than mass production. Throw in the fact that Canada has a booming construction industry and a history of building restorations, and it becomes obvious why the firms are in search of competent smiths. Be it the production of iron gates, restoration of heritage buildings or artistic metalworks, blacksmithing is a craft that unites utility with art, and this is what makes the craft irreplaceable in many industries.
Top Companies Hiring Blacksmiths in 2024
1. Heritage Ironworks Construction
Heritage Ironworks is a Toronto-based company that deals with restoration and reproduction of metalwork of heritage buildings. The projects include reinstating elaborate Victorian balconies to the creation of traditional railings.
- Occupations: Restoration Blacksmith, Metal Fabricator.
- What is the Reason to Work Here? This firm appreciates artisans who love historic architecture, and they have a chance to work on culturally important structures.
- Desired Skills:
- Expertise in the conventional forging methods.
- Restoration: eye to detail.
- Awareness to the local heritage laws.
2. Iron Grove Metal Creations
Iron Grove Metal Creations is a Vancouver based firm that takes pride in producing custom, tailor-made metal works in residential and commercial buildings.
- Roles Available: Custom Blacksmith, Craft Metalworker.
- What is the Reason to Work Here? Perfect to those blacksmiths who love to work with clients to make artistic dreams come true. Their works tend to mix metals such as wrought iron with contemporary designs.
- Desired Skills:
- Flexibility in the fusion of modern and classical style.
- Capability to deal with mixed materials (e.g. wood and iron).
- Skillfulness in the CNC machine tools and CAD software.
3. Forged Pride Industrial Works
Forged Pride is a supplier of industrial tools and manufacturing based in Alberta that specializes in hammer-forged farm equipment and industrial grade tools.
- Job positions: Industrial Smith, Tool expert.
- What is the Reason to Work Here? The opportunity to operate on necessary instruments applied in agriculture, construction, and mining. This corporation focuses on performance and durability.
- Desired Skills:
- Knowledge in the making of tools and hardening.
- Knowledge of the industrial forging equipment.
- Experience of metallurgy and work with high-carbon steel.
4. Eternal Flame Forgeworks
Eternal Flame focuses on artistic commissions, producing sculptures and artwork to cities and personal collections, mainly in Montréal.
- Jobs on Offer are Artistic Blacksmith, Metal Sculptor.
- What is the Reason to Work Here? Ideal to blacksmiths who are more interested in art and artistic designs, and who can get a high profile commission in the public.
- Desired Skills:
- Outstanding imaginativeness and designing skills.
- The education background is in fine arts or sculpture.
- High welding and ornamental tool abilities.
5. Borealis Architectural Metals
Borealis is based in Ottawa and specialises in blacksmithing and modern engineering to create architectural features like gates and staircase in high-end properties.
- Roles Available: Architectural Blacksmith, Metal Artisan.
- What is the Reason to Work Here? Here is where smiths who want to work on precision projects and want to have long-term relations with designers and architects go.
- Desired Skills:
- Ability to operate metallurgical drawings and tolerance-calculations.
- Reading ability of blue prints and technical sketches.
- Practical work with automated tools of cutting and shaping.
Which Skills are the Most Demanded Ones?
You will have to learn a combination of old and new technologies to be able to shine in the blacksmithing industry in Canada. These are some of the essential skills that employers want:
Craftsmanship
- Skills in forging, shaping and heat treatment.
- Capability to design utilitarian objects such as tools, hinges and locks.
Digital Competencies
- Competence in contemporary equipment such as CAD applications and CNC machineries to design and implement projects.
Creativity and Innovation
- Bringing artistic touch to metadata perfection and creating beautiful functional designs.
Sustainability Practices
- The use of recycled materials and eco-friendly techniques which are attractive to the contemporary customers.
Guidelines to Getting a Blacksmith Job in Canada
Build a Portfolio
Present the best of your work and stress on your versatility and imagination. Add information about materials and difficulties that were met in every project.
Network
Visit craft fairs, forge gatherings and trade shows. Recommendations and employment may be as a result of personal contacts.
Continue Learning
Study higher level blacksmithing, welding and even other current technology such as laser cutting. Blacksmiths that continuously enhance their skills are appreciated by the employers.
Promote Yourself Online
Show your work on such a platform as Instagram or your personal site. Employers and clients can be attracted directly through a good online presence.
Canada’s Blacksmithing Future Is Bright
Whether restoring heritage projects or creating the modern masterpieces, the need of blacksmiths in Canada is increasing. When you are interested in metal casting as a career and want to develop yourself, there is no better moment to do it. Your ability can create a difference whether you are working in custom designs or mass production.
Do you feel like heating the forge and stamp your mark? First, you should look at the opportunities in the above companies and take your craft to the next level!
