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Glassmaker apprenticeships

Creative and media | Manufacturing

Glassmaker apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • 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. You'll need a portfolio of work to show when applying for courses.


    You'll usually need: 

    • 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
    College
    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 
    Some colleges run short creative craft courses in glass, which may be useful for picking up glassmaking skills and techniques.

    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 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 a Level 2 or 3 glass industry apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a Level 3 apprenticeship. 

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

    Glassmaker apprenticeships - what it takes

    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

    Glassmaker apprenticeships - what you'll do

    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 and progression - Glassmaker apprenticeships

    In a glass factory, you may have the opportunity to move into supervisory or management positions. You could also start your own business.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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