It is intended that there be three curricula —The Fundamentals (level I), Intermediate (level II) and Journeyman (level III). Each advancing curriculum will build upon the last with levels I and II supporting the level III grill project. All courses are designed to develop the students blacksmith skills in the forge environment only.
The level I and II curriculum should be completed in-between 45 and 60 hours, with the level III completed at the students own pace.
Formal instruction will be supplied for the level I & II curriculum with the instructor taking on more of a coaching position for the level III course.
It is anticipated that the student will have to rely solely upon the teaching organization for tools and equipment while attempting the level I course. The student should have purchased the ‘bare essentials’ of blacksmithing before attempting the level II course as practice will be required outside of structured course time.
The level III curriculum requires that the student make arrangements to have their own place of work with the instructor taking on more of a coaching role than direct instruction.
These courses can be ‘self assessed’ by the individual student or ‘internally assessed’ by the course instructor. No qualification or certification process exists at the moment except where instigated by the participating organization.
This curriculum is open to anyone that cares to use it. It is copyright free. At present the CBA and the AABA are using either all or elements of this curriculum for their educational program. By adopting this curriculum you can draw on existing resources and training opportunities.
John Crandell CBA Education Committee Chair
Doug Kluender AABA Education Committee Chair
ABANA Board member
Georg O’Gorman CBA SAfety Committee Chair
Mark Aspery CBA/AABA Member at large
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