Heritage Skills (Blacksmithing)
A National Heritage Ironwork Group initiative has resulted in the creation of five NOS, first published June 2010, to be used in relation to heritage blacksmithing. An interesting point to note is that there are no general blacksmithing NOS, so although heritage based, these are the first NOS for blacksmithing as a whole.
What are NOS?
They are statements of skill, knowledge and understanding needed in employment that clearly define the outcome of competent performance in a given trade, occupation or profession. They are the starting point for all craft qualifications; sitting at the top they ‘override’ everything in the qualification structure framework. NOS are statements of competence and all about ‘skills’; in themselves they are not ‘qualifications’, but are used for the development of qualifications.
Although NOS are driven by demand, the more people that get up and say ‘I want’, the more chance of getting them; you need a funding route in with one of the development agencies. The National Heritage Ironwork Group found a route via ‘Heritage’ in the construction industry which is why, although not ideal, this specialism is the starting point. Another important point is that a Heritage NOS for blacksmithing will give English Heritage (and similar bodies) something to base guidelines and standards on.
