Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Working Life

The work of a Glass Maker is divided into several different, related, activities  
 
Glass Blowers  
This is a highly skilled occupation involving good manual dexterity and good hand/eye co-ordination to facilitate proper blowing techniques. The craftsperson places a blowing iron into a furnace and gathers a small amount of molten crystal; using the blowing technique and wooden tools (made from beech and pear wood) he/she pre-shapes the molten crystal. He/she then places it into a cast iron mould and uses the blowing technique until it takes the shape of the mould.  
 
Glass Benders  
Bend glass by placing sheet glass over moulds and putting them in a furnace or kiln.  
 
Glass Cutters  
There are many types of cutting including Wedge Cutting where the craftsperson uses a diamond wheel to achieve a deep and smooth cut and Rheintour Cutting - this is done by using carborundum wheels to achieve a flat cut adding definition, taking away the round look to achieve a more attractive shape. This is often seen on the stem of stemware or the neck of decanters.  
 
Glass Decorators and Designers  
Decorators decorate the surface of an article using one or more of the techniques on offer. This alone is a skilled and demanding occupation. Designers come up with new shapes and/or decorations.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Heat glass to pliable stage, using gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat it uniformly.
• Inspect, weigh, and measure products to verify conformance to specifications, using instruments such as micrometers, calipers, magnifiers, or rulers.
• Record manufacturing information, such as quantities, sises, or types of goods produced.
• Place glass into dies or molds of presses and control presses to form products, such as glassware components or optical blanks.
• Spray or swab molds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass.
• Blow tubing into specified shapes to prevent glass from collapsing, using compressed air or own breath, or blow and rotate gathers in molds or on boards to obtain final shapes.
• Operate electric kilns that heat and mold glass sheets to the shape and curve of metal jigs.
• Determine types and quantities of glass required to fabricate products.
• Set up and adjust machine press stroke lengths and pressures and regulate oven temperatures, according to glass types to be processed.
• Shape, bend, or join sections of glass, using paddles, pressing and flattening hand tools, or cork.

Further Information

• Glassmaker- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Workers in the glass industry learn through experience gained from experienced workers in the business.

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) run courses in this area. Courses range from one year for introductory courses, to four years for specialist degree programmes.

A Glassmaker can work with a glass manufacturing company or a craft-based glass studio. They also often work on commissions, exhibit in galleries and can be employed as educators and lecturers.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, manufacturing, quality management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: art, craft and design, ceramics, design techniques.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, OEM, Engineering Technician Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: contemporary, applied art, ceramics, glass, textiles, manufacturing engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: management, quality management, manufacturing.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €55k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Gov.ie LRC/ DEASP/ Prosperity/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Weavers and knitters; Upholsterers; Footwear and leather working trades; Tailors and dressmakers Textiles; garments and related trades n.e.c.; Pre-press technicians; Printers Print finishing and binding workers; Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers; Florists Other skilled trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

  • Castle Yard, Kilkenny
  • (056) 77 61804
  • Click Here

• Dublin Crystal Glass Company (Ireland) Ltd

  • St. Michael's Commercial Park, Dundrum Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14
  • (01) 298 7302
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here