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

 

CLICK HERE

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?