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- Produce glass, either for commercial use or as art and decorative objects
- You'll combine scientific and technical skills with creativity
- Opportunities to work in both commercial settings or work for yourself as a freelance artist/maker
As a glassmaker, your job will involve producing a variety of glass products such as windows, bottles, vases, and test tubes.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on your specialist skills but may include:
- Cutting inscriptions
- Acid etching
- Hot glass techniques
- Different types of engraving, including point engraving, stipple engraving, drill engraving, copper wheel engraving, sand engraving or sandblasting, and laser engraving.
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in a creative studio, factory or a workshop, and you may need to wear safety clothing.
You'll need
To be a glassmaker, you'll need knowledge of manufacturing production and processes, and of engineering science and technology, thoroughness and attention to detail, detail skill and knowledge, the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, and to work well with your hands.
Many craft glassmakers have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like design crafts, applied arts or glass and ceramics. You'll need a portfolio of work to show when applying for courses.
You can do a college course, such as in Glass Processing, or Glass Manufacturing. Some colleges run short creative craft courses in glass, which may be useful for picking up glassmaking skills and techniques.
You can also get into glassmaking through an intermediate or advanced glass industry apprenticeship.
You can apply directly for jobs in glass manufacturing factories if you have some GCSEs. GCSEs in science, design and technology, or art may prove helpful.
CAREER PROSPECTS
In a glass factory, you may have the opportunity to move into supervisory or management positions. You could also start your own business.