Ceramic pottery maker

Ceramic pottery makers produce different types of pottery using both traditional craft skills and mechanised processes. Most pottery makers specialise in a particular job, for example, throwing or casting.

Also known as:

• Ceramist
• Craft pottery maker
• Potter

Work activities

Ceramic pottery makers use a combination of hand and automated tools to make pottery products. Traditional hand tools are still used a lot, as this remains the most effective method. However, automatic tools are also often used as they speed up the process.

The most common traditional manufacturing process is “throwing” a pot. A pottery maker throws a lump of clay, which they have kneaded, onto a wheel. This is shaped by hand and by the speed of the wheel. Water is used to help the shaping process. Once the item has dried, and a finish applied, it is “fired” in a kiln to improve strength. As well as more traditional pottery products, clay is used to make many other items such as bricks, tiles and pipes. It is also widely used in the manufacture of high-tech products, such as computers, jet engines and lasers.

Personal qualities and skills

In this job, you’ll need:

• A feel for clay and the ability to handle delicate things with confidence.
• Physical stamina to help you knead the clay.
• Patience when moulding clay.
• Creativity and a good eye for detail and design, if you are making original items.
• Good hand to eye co-ordination.
• Some business knowledge if you run your own company.
• This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema.

Future skills needs have been identified for this industry. They are:

• Negotiation and team building skills.
• IT and digital technology skills.
• Teaching skills.
• Leadership skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for ceramic pottery makers vary. This depends on whether they are employed as an operative in a factory environment or as a craftsperson engaged in handmade pottery in a workshop or studio. According to job site Glassdoor, pottery makers can expect to earn £23,000 and £45,000 per year (based on 293 salaries, Jan 2024).

Pottery makers who work in a factory normally work a basic 40-42-hour week, which may involve shift work and overtime. Craftspeople may work full-time, but there may also be opportunities for part-time work.

Employment is mainly in large commercial potteries. There is also scope for throwers and casters in small craft potteries. Opportunities for factory pottery makers occur in factories in north Staffordshire. Self-employed potters base themselves in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the country, especially in tourist locations.

Self-employment opportunities occur for craft potters to become self-employed. They may set up their own pottery or share premises with other craftspeople.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You might not need any qualifications to get into this job. Practical ability is often more important to employers. Some employers may prefer that you have a few GCSEs, or equivalent.

Training is generally on-the-job, firstly by observing an experienced worker to learn basic techniques. You will then advance to making simple shapes while under supervision. The amount of time you spend training largely depends upon the technique you are learning and your ability. Some techniques, such as casting, can be learned in six to twelve weeks. Others, such as throwing or jiggering, can take much longer.

There are City Guilds qualifications at various levels in Creative Techniques in Ceramics. Courses in pottery are available at colleges throughout the UK.

Progression could be to supervisory positions. Many pottery makers become self-employed.

Qualifications

Formal qualifications are sometimes not needed for entry to this work. However, some GCSEs including English, maths, design and technology (resistant materials), and manufacturing will be useful. Practical ability is often more important than academic qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Applicants with skills gained in the manufacturing industry, have an advantage. Ability using your hands in a skilled way is important. Some artistic ability is needed for certain jobs.

Related careers

• Ceramics designer
• Ceramics technologist
• Glassmaker