Glass Maker
OFO No: 661501
Other names for Glass Maker:
- Glass Blower
- Glass Finisher
- Glass Finisher or Bender
- Glass Grinder
- Glassware Maker
- Glaze Maker
- Leadlighter
Youtube clip – Watching a Glass Maker at Work
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Glass Maker?
A Glass Maker is a trained/or skilled artisan who makes glass.
Their work environment, although extremely creative and exciting, can be very hot and uncomfortable. This is because they work with a furnace – which is like a fire.
Their designs, however, are usually worth the blood, sweat and tears! It’s a very rewarding job for a creative, hands-on person.
Glass Makers may specialise in:
- Glass beads:
jewellery pieces or for interior designers – decorate cushions etc
- Stained glass:
for windows, lampshades etc
- Glass blowing household items:
vases, platters, lampshades, ornaments etc
- Technical pieces:
glass for telescopes etc
- Industrial pieces:
for machinery
- Pharmaceutical or scientific glass making:
for laboratories
What does a Glass Maker do?
- works for themselves or for clients or manufacturers
- discusses requirements
- quotes
- makes glass as per client’s specifications
- works with their hands and specialised tools and equipment
- maintains tools etc
- is safety conscious all the time
Are you … ?
- passionate about glass and its capabilities?
- safety conscious?
- creative?
- good with your hands?
- a hard worker?
- patient?
- good with people?
How do I become a Glass Maker?
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Chemical Operations (Glass Container Former) NQF Level 2
- Learnership – Glass Forming NQF Level 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Glass Container Former NQF Level 2
- Learnership – Molten Glass Operator NQF Level 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Learnership – Glass Container Product Line Controller NQF Level 2
- Learnership – Molten Glass Production NQF Level 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Artisan Internship
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Glass Maker without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- GLASS & FIRE
http://www.glassandfire.co.za/wmenu.php
For more reading about glass:
- CONSOL
http://www.consol.co.za/irj/go/km/docs/site/pages/glass_making_process.html
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Glazier … or … Stain Glass Artist
Is becoming a Glass Maker the right career choice for me?