Glass technologist

Glass technologists carry out work related to the science and technology of glass making. Many technologists are laboratory-based and work in research and development. Some technologists work in production and quality control.

Work activities

Glass technologists work in the specialist branch of materials science that uses glass materials to make glass and glass products. They use their knowledge to improve the quality of the glass produced. Most technologists are laboratory-based and work in research and development. They carry out research projects to try to develop new materials, by mixing glass with other agents. Glass technologists also find new uses for glass materials, such as the use of special glass to make communication fibres or to deal with toxic and nuclear waste disposal. Some glass technologists work in production management or quality control. This would involve things like identifying defects, such as bubbles in the glass. Some glass technologists use their knowledge to work in the technical sales and marketing of glass products.

Personal qualities and skills

To do well in this job, you’ll need to:

Communicate well with colleagues in meetings and through written reports.
Be willing to get involved in the practical side of making glass.
Be well organised.
Have problem-solving skills.
Be a careful, patient and accurate worker.
IT skills.
Maths skills.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

Job related technical skills, including glass cutting, laminating, and computer-aided design.
Teamworking skills.
Management and leadership skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for glass technologists vary depending on employer and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. According to job site Glassdoor, glass technologists earn in the range of £25,000 – 37,000 (1,336 salaries, December 2023).

Technologists usually work a full-time week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required, and shift work is common in production work.

Employers are ceramics and glass manufacturers and employers in other industries, such as electronics and telecommunications. Opportunities for glass technologists occur with glass processors in towns and cities throughout the UK. Other opportunities are with electronics and telecommunications employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

Employment levels in the glass industry are expected to remain steady. It has been widely predicted that many technical skills will, in time, become automated.

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

Two level 2 apprenticeship programmes are relevant to this field:

Fenestration fabricator
Fenestration installer

You will need to undergo further training once you have completed your apprenticeship to qualify as a glass technologist.

A degree is a good way to qualify for this profession. Courses in materials technology and related subjects are useful. Relevant courses are available at various universities and colleges of higher education throughout the UK.

Degrees related to physics or chemistry are also acceptable as a route into this career. There are a small number of relevant HNDs and foundation degrees available in subjects related to physics or chemistry.

Training will usually be on-the-job where you will be supervised by an experienced technologist. After their degree, some technologists go on to study at postgraduate level. There are various relevant courses available throughout the UK. Course titles to look for include glass, and ceramics and glass.

Progression will often be to positions with greater responsibility and more supervisory duties. From there, people could move into managerial roles.

Qualifications

You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths) to take an intermediate apprenticeship in this career.

For entry to a relevant degree, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels. Useful subjects include maths, chemistry and physics. An A-level in a design and technology subject might also be useful.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To enter a relevant HND or foundation degree, you will usually need:

One A-level – preferred subjects include chemistry and physics.
A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

For alternatives to A-levels, see above. However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is now 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.

Employers often value a background in practical industrial work. Working as a materials technician or glassmaker can lead to entry into technologist level posts.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details. Much of this course focuses on management skills, but there are sections covering glass science which will be particularly useful to prospective glass technologists. For this course, applicants with relevant work experience are welcome.

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