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
 
 About the job
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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-  Ceramics designer or maker 
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-  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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- working with numbers
- creative
- designing
- attention to detail
- concentrating
 
 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
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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