Glassmaker

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Glassmaker

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Many craft glassmakers have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like design crafts, applied arts or glass and ceramics.

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

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get into glass manufacturing. Relevant subjects include:

Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Glass Processing
Level 3 Diploma in Glass Manufacturing

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 can get into this job through an intermediate or advanced glass industry apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs in glass manufacturing factories if you have some GCSEs.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
design skills and knowledge
the ability to work well with your hands
the ability to use your initiative
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your tasks will depend on your specialist skills and could include:

cutting inscriptions, and producing original designs or copying existing ones on items like bowls, decanters, glass panels, goblets and mirrors
point engraving - marking the glass with a hand-held diamond or tungsten carbide point tool
stipple engraving - building up the design by hand using tiny dots, highlighting areas of light and shade
drill engraving - using a rotating tool in the handpiece of an electric drill
copper wheel engraving - using machine-driven wheels to shape the cut, and a mix of oil and grit to do the cutting
sand engraving or sandblasting - using grit to remove areas of glass
acid etching - applying acid to areas to be decorated
hot glass techniques - engraving combined with glass blowing skills to create different effects
laser engraving - creating a design on glass with a laser

Working Environment

You could work in a creative studio, in a factory or in a workshop.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

In a glass factory, you may have the opportunity to move into supervisory or management positions.

You could also start your own business.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You may find qualifications like GCSEs in science, design and technology, or art helpful, depending on whether you want to specialise in glass manufacturing or crafts.

For craftwork, you'll need both technical skills and artistic ability.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as a glassmaker from the Crafts Council.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.