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ceramic/pottery maker
Ceramic/pottery makers use both traditional craft skills and mechanised processes to make a variety of clay products. Many processes are now fully or partly done by machinery, although there are smaller craft potteries where traditional methods are still in use.
Items produced in large commercial potteries and smaller craft potteries, include:
- tableware (cups, saucers and plates)
- ornaments (figurines and vases)
- plant pots.
Large-scale factory production includes:
- floor and wall tiles
- bathroom fittings such as toilets and wash basins
- building products such as chimney pots.
The work varies depending on the product. The most common processes are:
- throwing or moulding softened clay while turning or rotating it on a wheel. This is rarely used in large commercial potteries today, but is frequently used by craft potters
- jiggering, which is used to make flat goods such as plates. It can be carried out by hand, but is often part or fully automated
- jolleying, which is used for making hollow ware such as cups. It can be done by hand or by machine
- casting, which involves pouring liquid clay or slip into moulds to form items such as bowls. This process is mechanised in many large companies
- finishing by turning and shaping, which takes place on a lathe, using either hand tools, semi-automatic or automatic processes
- firing, in which clay items are hardened by heating them to very high temperatures in a kiln
- glazing, which involves coating the surface of products to give them a decorative and hardwearing finish.
Some pottery makers are self-employed, designing, making and selling their own products. Please see the Ceramics Designer profile for more information on this.
Hours and Environment
Ceramic/pottery makers usually work a basic 39 hour week, which may involve shift work. Self-employed craft workers set their own hours in line with their workload.
Depending on the job, they work either in a factory or in a craft studio/workshop.
There may be some lifting and moving of large items, although many factories have lifting devices.
Skills and Interests
As a ceramic/pottery maker, you will need:
- a good eye for shape and attention to detail
- good coordination
- patience to carry out intricate processes
- physical fitness
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- good business skills (for self-employment).
Entry
There are no set entry qualifications, although pottery companies who take on trainees may prefer you to have some GCSEs/S grades or similar qualifications. It will be useful if you have some manufacturing experience if you are applying for work in a large company, where most of the work is mechanised.
You may be able to enter the ceramics industry by doing an apprenticeship. These are available in some areas in manufacturing and decorating ceramic products. Please see the Training section for more information.
For work in craft potteries, you will need to have creative ability and be good at working with your hands. Many craft ceramic/pottery makers have qualifications such as a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree in subjects, such as:
- ceramics
- ceramics design
- ceramics technology.
Entry requirements vary, so you should check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements. For all courses you will also usually be expected to present a portfolio of your work.
You may be able to become self-employed without a qualification if you have relevant craft skills. You can do a wide range of pottery courses at colleges, and some pottery studios run summer and weekend courses.
Training
You receive on-the-job training, under the supervision of experienced colleagues.
You may be able to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Manufacturing Ceramic and Associated Products.
Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland
Opportunities
The main ceramic/pottery production area in the UK is the West Midlands, in the towns around Stoke-on-Trent, commonly known as The Potteries. Most job opportunities are in large commercial companies. However, many companies have reduced the number of people they employ as they have moved production abroad.
Jobs may also be available in smaller craft potteries across the country, often in tourist areas.
There may be opportunities for promotion to team leader, supervisor, line manager or trainer. Craft pottery/ceramic workers often go on to set up their own craft studios and workshops.
Annual Income
This section is intended as a guideline only.
New entrants may earn around £10,000 a year.
The top level may be up to around £20,800 a year.
There may be bonus or piecework payments and overtime opportunities.
Further information
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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Site Disclaimer
The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice