Ignite your passion.

Applications are now closed for the year. Thank you to everyone who applied, and keep an eye on your email inbox for any updates.

We welcome all students with passion and experience regardless of major. All faculties are welcome. We will be opening applications again next September.

UBC Volcan is a student blacksmithing team that designs and forges blades. Membership is open to all students in good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many of our members are from materials engineering, but we welcome members from all disciplines and faculties. Applicants will be invited for interviews with the UBC Volcan executive team. We look forward to hearing from you all!

To learn more about the team before applying, applicants can meet our members through our booth at the upcoming club week, during information sessions or in-class visits. Please also feel free to reach out via email or Instagram DM if you have any questions.

What We Do

  • Team up to design and create a blade for the international TMS bladesmithing competition to be held in 2023 in San Diego!

  • Provide the opportunity to apply theoretical content taught in class to hands-on projects in a welcoming environment. 

  • Offer professional development opportunities for materials engineering. 

Why Join UBC Volcan?

  • Gain practical materials engineering experience such as optical microscopy, 3D modeling, research processes, and more! 

  • Develop leadership and teamwork skills essential to professional engineering. 

  • Make lasting friendships and memories!

What We Look For

Although prior knowledge of blacksmithing and metallurgical engineering is certainly good, no experience is necessary to join our team. The most important asset we look for in applicants is natural curiosity and a willingness to make meaningful contributions. Students who are passionate, self-directed, and have good time management skills will find themselves right at home in UBC Volcan. We are committed to a welcoming and inclusive design team experience, and we strive to make sure every member feels included and valued for the individual skills they bring to the table.

Helpful Assets

As said, applying to UBC Volcan requires no blacksmithing or prior materials engineering knowledge. However, if you have experience with any of the following, please indicate so on the application. 

  • Knowledge of metallurgical engineering, particularly in regards to steel 

  • Material selection 

  • Thermodynamics 

  • Phase transformations 

  • Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

  • Mechanical testing (tensile, charpy, etc.)

  • Technical writing and presenting 

  • Academic research (experimental, literature review etc.) 

  • Ability to use SolidWorks & ANSYS 

  • Ability to use waterjet cutters 

  • Machine or woodshop experience

  • Safety and first aid qualifications 

  • Marketing, accounting and business communications experience

Time Commitment

UBC Volcan expects all members to attend Saturday meetings (approx 3 hours). As the workload fluctuates throughout the year and depending on your role, weekly time commitments outside of the meeting range from 3-10 hours.