Glassmaker
What is the work like?
Glassmakers produce a wide variety of types of objects, ranging from milk bottles to windows for buildings and vehicles, and from crystal vases to test tubes.
You could work as a glassmaker in any of the following areas of the industry:
- flat glass – windows and doors for buildings
- containers – bottles, jars and tableware
- scientific and laboratory equipment
- automotive glass – vehicle windows and sunroofs
- glass fibre – for insulation and optical cables
- crystal ware – for wine glasses and gifts.
Depending on the product, you could be involved in:
- industrial glassmaking – making large quantities of glass products, usually using computer-controlled machinery
- craft work – designing and making products such as hand-blown glassware or stained glass in a small studio or workshop.
Your work would vary depending on which of the above you are involved in, but could include:
- using silica (sand), lime and soda as basic ingredients for windows and cheaper items
- using different additives to make different types of glass
- heating the ingredients with cullet (scrap glass) to very high temperatures at which they become liquid
- shaping the mixture by either glassblowing or by kiln forming
- carrying out processes such as cutting, grinding, toughening or laminating, depending on the product.
- applying decorative techniques such as engraving, sand or grit-blasting, stencilling and acid etching
If you work in a craft studio or workshop you would usually be involved in the whole process of designing, making and decorating. You would also sell your products directly from your studio or at craft fairs, or through shops and galleries.
See prospect4u.co.uk, the Proskills careers website, for information on the range of jobs in the glass industry.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may find qualifications in science and art helpful, although they are not essential. In glass factories you would usually train on the job, working towards NVQs.
To be a craftsperson, you would need both technical skills and artistic ability. Many craft glassmakers have a degree or BTEC HND.
You can choose from a number of full-time degree courses which specialise either in glass or glass and ceramics. These last for three years and include subjects such as Glass, Ceramics with Glass, Design and Applied Arts (Glass) and Decorative Arts.
You would need a portfolio of work for entry to courses, but other requirements vary, so you should check with individual colleges or universities. To search for colleges and universities offering HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (link opens new window).
You can do a one-year full-time Glass Techniques and Technology course and a range of other courses at the International Glass Centre at Dudley College of Technology.
As an alternative to an HND or degree you could develop your skills by doing courses on a variety of levels at colleges and studios. Studios often run summer or weekend courses, some of which are residential.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are in relevant work you can work towards the following NVQs:
- levels 2 and 3 in Glass Manufacturing (mainly for work in glassmaking factories with raw materials, melted glass materials or semi-finished products)
- levels 2 and 3 in Glass Processing (mainly for glassblowing, scientific glassblowing or glass decorating.
If you have completed the Glass Techniques and Technology course at Dudley College you may be able to progress to the Glass Design (Techniques and Technology) BTEC Professional Development Award at the same college.
You may also be able to study for degrees or postgraduate qualifications on a part-time basis.
Glass Training Ltd (GTL) has developed a foundation degree in Glass Manufacturing Management, which is available at Wakefield College. This is suitable if you are employed in the glass manufacturing industry as a supervisor, or are hoping to progress to supervisory level. See the GTL website for details. For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward (link opens new window).
As a craft glassmaker it would be important for you to keep up to date with new developments in technology and techniques. You can attend professional development courses at a number of studios and other organisations.
You can complete City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma Creative Arts (4440) at some colleges. This is a level 4 qualification which is suitable if you are working in a variety of creative businesses, including stained glass.
You can also develop technical skills by entering exams and competitions set by the British Society of Scientific Glassblowers.
Where can I go for more information?
Moor Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3EP
Tel: 01384 363067
The Quadrant
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WG
Tel: 0114 227 0070
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Chapeltown
Sheffield
S35 2PY
Tel: 0114 290 1850
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries start at around £14,000 a year.
- This can rise to from £18,000 to £22,000.
- Experienced staff can earn from £22,000 to £35,000.
Earnings for self-employed craft glassmakers vary depending on the amount of work they have.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In industrial glassmaking you would usually work up to 39 hours, Monday to Friday. If you are self-employed you would decide your own working hours, depending on the amount of work you have.
You would work in a factory, studio or workshop. You would need to wear titanium goggles and protective clothing.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good hand-eye coordination
- a good sense of colour
- patience, accuracy and attention to detail
- the ability to work as part of a team
- good business skills if self-employed.
What opportunities are there?
You could find jobs in factories, workshops and glass studios around the UK, especially in Yorkshire, the West Midlands, London and parts of Scotland. Some universities and hospitals also employ specialists in scientific glass. However, increased automation has caused a decline in jobs.
In a glass factory you could have the opportunity to move into supervisory or management positions. If you have good business skills you could become self-employed.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
