Glassmaker
Manufacture glass objects like bottles, test tubes, windows and car windscreens. Or work by hand to make glasses, vases and stained glass panels.
Also known as: glass designer
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About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£480
Average
Monthly
£2,080
Average
Yearly
£24,960
Average
1,700
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You could manufacture glass objects like bottles, glasses, test tubes, windows and car windscreens.
If you work in industrial glassmaking you’d make large quantities of products, usually using computer-controlled machinery. As a craft glassmaker you’d design and make products such as hand-blown glassware or stained glass in a small studio or workshop.
You could make these products:
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 what you produce you would:
Use silica (sand), lime and soda as basic ingredients for windows and cheaper items
Use different additives to make different types of glass
Heat the ingredients with cullet (scrap glass) to very high temperatures at which they become liquid
Shape the mixture by either glassblowing or by kiln forming
Carry out processes such as cutting, grinding, toughening or laminating, depending on the product
Apply decorative techniques such as engraving, sand or grit-blasting, stencilling and acid etching
In a craft studio or workshop you would be involved in the whole process of designing, making and decorating. You’d sell your products directly from your studio or at craft fairs, or through shops and galleries.
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Hours
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Environment
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- problem solving
- working with numbers
- creative
- designing
- attention to detail
- concentrating
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Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design (Design)
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Many glassmakers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Art Glass Production or Art and Design, 3D Design which include elements of glass work.
You can enter a 3D Design or Art Glass Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications that show creative and practical craft skills and industry knowledge.
A portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to some jobs.
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