Glassmaker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

Most craft glassmakers have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• art and design
• fine art
• ceramics and glass
• architectural crafts

You'll need a portfolio of work to show when applying for courses.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

Some colleges run short creative craft courses in glass, which may be useful for picking up glassmaking skills and techniques.

There are also glass manufacturing courses, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get into glass making in industry. These include:

• Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Glass Processing
• Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Glass Related Operations

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could specialise in stained glass making through a stained glass craftsperson higher apprenticeship.

This would typically take 36 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent verbal communication skills

What you'll do:

Craft glassmakers design, make and decorate glass objects from windows, mirrors and tableware to one-off decorative pieces.

Depending on your specialist skills, you could:

• design new, one-off pieces or ranges of glass items
• mix different ingredients and additives
• blow glass using a blowing iron
• form and bend glass using heat or moulds
• cut, grind and fix pieces of glass together using soldering or fusing techniques
• decorate glass items using laser, point, stipple, drill, copper wheel or sand engraving
• etch items using acid or make patterns using stencils
• use tools and machinery like lathes and sandblasters
• repair or conserve existing glass items like stained glass panels, windows or mirrors
• if you are self-employed, market your business and do admin tasks

Location : You could work in a creative studio or in a workshop.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

You could set up your own business with your own creative studio or work alongside other artists as part of a creative community.

With experience and further qualifications you could teach students and apprentices in colleges or universities.