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Careers at Cumbria Crystal

CURRENT VACANCIES

Glassblower

Required to join the stemware & barware team as a production bit gatherer & assistant and to support public glassblowing ‘experiences’.

Cumbria Crystal is seeking to recruit an experienced bit-gatherer or glassblower, with a minimum of three years’ experience, to work as part of a two/three person team, in a fast-paced stem and barware production environment.

Previous experience of working in a production environment and with lead crystal will be beneficial. The role also involves the delivery of hands-on glassblowing ‘experiences’ to visitors.

This role may be suitable for a confident graduate or, ideally, an experienced glassmaker.

Cumbria Crystal employs 23 people and has 5-glassblowers, working in two teams, and 3 glass cutters. All crystal is hand-cut and acid polished on site. It is the last manufacturer of ‘luxury’ handblown and hand-cut crystal in the UK. It is renowned for producing some of the highest quality hand-made, bar and stemware in the world using traditional lead-crystal glassmaking processes.

Situated in the picturesque town of Ulverston (12,000) on the edge of the English Lake District. Cumbria is a stunningly beautiful county with World Heritage Site status & is ideal for nature lovers, walkers, cyclists, climbers and artists.

Job Description

As part of the production team, you will support the wine servitor by bringing hot-glass bits for the creation of stems and feet on stemware and assist the team more producing barware. Additionally, the role includes provision of support for our ‘experiences’ programme.

Responsibilities

• To work with the production blowing team and ‘glassblowing ‘experiences’ team

• Gather and supply glass ‘bits’ for stems and feet for the wine servitor.

• Assist with furnace filling, maintenance, and repairs.

• Charge the furnace; light glory holes; ensure materials and safety equipment are available and used appropriately; prepare moulds, etc.

• Pro-actively engage with the development of new products and services.

• Help maintain the cleanliness of the factory.

• To deliver short income generating glass-blowing experiences to the public.

• The assist with safe delivery & smooth running of public engagement activities.

• To maintain high standards of customer experience & service.

• To liaise, when necessary, with staff to ensure good communication with customers.

• To assist with cold working if required. • Continuously strive towards refining your skills as a glassmaker and if requested, undertake any training identified.

• Practice and refine your skills to attain the level of competency required.

• Adhere to all Health and Safety procedures and Safe Systems of Work

• Awareness of quality, workmanship and maintenance issues that may affect production and report these to the Operations Manager.

Person Specification

• Demonstrate excellent time management, organisational skills and an ability to prioritise busy work schedules.

• Communicate clearly, openly and effectively with customers and colleagues.

• Ability to work independently using your own initiative and within a team.

• Reliable trustworthy and a good timekeeper.

• Attention to detail, care, patience and respect for the craftsmanship and time involved in making our products.

• Ability to interpret and follow instructions effectively.

• Demonstrate respect and consideration towards all your colleagues.

• Able to work in a high-pressure production environment whilst maintaining consistent quality.

Please direct your application or questions to chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com

 

Would you like to send a speculative CV?

Please do so to chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com

 

SCHOOL LEAVER

School leaver required to support one of Britain’s last production glassblowing teams. No experience or qualifications necessary beyond practical craft skills and a passion for creativity.
Glassblowing dates back nearly 2000-years, to the Roman era. Lead crystal was invented in England and at one-point 100s glass factories blew and cut crystal for the whole world. Glassblowing is now one of the most endangered crafts in Britain and Cumbria Crystal is the last factory where it is still done the traditional way.
It takes many years to train a production glassblower. Historically young apprentices started learning the craft around 7-8 years old. An opportunity such as this is rare – probably available in England once every 10+ years. It is ideal for someone who is creative, sets high standards for themselves, appreciates craftsmanship & precision and who would like to learn glassmaking from some of the best craftsmen in the country.
Cumbria Crystal is renowned for crafting some of the highest quality handcrafted bar and stemware in the world using traditional glassmaking processes. It employs a total of 23 people and has 5-glassblowers working in two teams. 3 glass cutters carve the crystal after it is blown. Everything is made on site. It is the last remaining manufacturer of ‘luxury’ hand-blown and hand-cut crystal in the UK.
Who is this suitable for?
Are you a 16 -17 year-old creative, practical and hard-working
individual with good time-keeping skills? Must be willing to undertake practical work in a hot environment and live in, or around, Ulverston. All training will be delivered in-house by the glassblowing team. No previous experience is necessary and academic qualifications are not important. A passion for creative processes and the material is essential as is a willingness to undertake the creative processes repeatedly, with finesse, enthusiasm and care.
Responsibilities:
• To work with the production glass blowing teams.
• Assist with furnace filling, maintenance, and repairs.
• Help maintain the cleanliness of the factory.
• Charge the furnaces with glass; light reheating chambers; ensure materials and
safety equipment are prepared appropriately for the team.
• Continuously strive towards developing your abilities and, when requested,
undertake training.
• Be prepared to practice and refine your skills in your own time to attain a
sufficient level of competency to progress in the company.
Person Specification:
• Demonstrate good time management and organisational skills.
• Demonstrate a practical aptitude and good problem-solving skills.
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Be reliable, trustworthy, and willing to assist other team members.
• Demonstrate an understanding and respect for the craftsmanship and time
involved in creating our products.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow instruction.
• Display respect and consideration towards your colleagues.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in glassmaking process and a strong desire to learn.
If you think this role may be for you, or you have any questions – send a brief letter to chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com outlining why you think you would be a good choice for this role.