Do you want to become a Glassblower? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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Glassblowing is a traditional craft that is used to make items ranging from glasses, bowls, vases and decorative objects to the intricate glass equipment used in scientific laboratories. Glassblowers dip a hollow pipe into molten glass and blow into the pipe until the glass expands. They use moulds, tongs, palette knives, wooden blocks and other implements to give the glass the required shape. Very large glass items that are too big to be made by mouth blowing are made on a lathe.
Scientific or bench glassblowers usually work from an engineering drawing to make laboratory equipment and components for the electrical and electronics industries. They heat straight glass tubes and blow, bend and/or join them to form the required shape.
Glassblowers usually work around 35 to 39 hours a week. This may involve shift work, or in some cases, weekends and bank holidays. They work in a factory, studio or workshop, which is likely to be hot and noisy. It is essential to follow health and safety procedures and wear protective clothing. Some tasks can involve long periods of standing.
Salaries range from around £8,300 to £20,000 a year, or more.
A glassblower should:
There are opportunities throughout the UK, in companies producing hand-made lead crystal glassware, small craft studios, specialist scientific glassblowing companies, and some universities and hospitals.
There are no specific entry qualifications to become a glassblower, but candidates with GCSEs/S grades in subjects like science, art, design and technology, or equivalent qualifications, may have an advantage. Many people train for this career through an Apprenticeship. There are also specialist courses ranging from Level 2 qualifications to degrees and postgraduate qualifications. There is no maximum age to start work as a glassblower.
New entrants are trained on the job and may work towards NVQs/SVQs in Glass Processing at Levels 2 and 3, as well as other specialist qualifications.
There may be opportunities for promotion to supervisory or managerial roles. It may also be possible to move into engineering or design, or to become self-employed.
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