Entry Level Glassworker

Blenko Glass, a leader in the design and production of handcrafted glass, and has an exciting opportunity for Apprentice Glassworkers at our Milton, WV factory. The primary objective in this role is to learn and understand the glass making processes and how to work safely with other production workers around you. This position is an opportunity for a motivated individual to grow as a professional in the Glassblowing trade in a fast-paced environment.  This is a paid 5 year apprenticeship (employment continues after the 5 years) and we teach you everything you need to know about glassmaking.

The goal of your time at Blenko is to master as many glassworking skills as possible, as quickly as possible, with the expectation that one day you will become a master Glassblower or Finisher. While it takes many years to become a master glassworker, this is an opportunity for a career in glassmaking that you can retire from. You will have the opportunity to work with masters of the glassblowing craft with over 40 years of experience, and you will be expected to learn as much as possible from them during your time here. 

After orientation and safety training, you will be placed in production and trained to do a specific role as part of a small team. Each member of the team will be expected to quickly learn and master the skills demonstrated to them, and will rotate through multiple positions for the duration of training so that you can gain a full knowledge of the apprenticeship program at Blenko.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a clean work area, setting up the shop for production, and cleaning the shop area at the end of each shift
• Maintain a safe work environment following all protocols and safety standards
• Learn maintenance of the shop area, pipes, tools, moulds, etc.
• Learn and perform basic skills of carrying-in, mould holding, and eventually advanced skills like sticking up, gathering, and finishing glass products based on your performance

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in the processes of production glasswork
• Ability to withstand working around hot furnaces for at least 8 hours. Heat tolerance is critical as our production floor can reach very high temperatures
• Must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds of glass frequently through an 8 hour shift and occasionally lift up to 50lb. cast iron moulds
• Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions and communication
• High School diploma or G.E.D. preferred
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Able to work fast and efficient and willing to work occasional overtime
• Understanding of basic math, reading, and writing skills
• Related experience or coursework preferred but not required
• Ability to effectively communicate

Success Factors:

• Team player
• Exceptional attention to detail and focus
• Exceptional hand-eye coordination
• Comfortable working in front a public audience (our production floor has a Visitor’s Viewing Area)

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to withstand high temperatures is a must. Glass temperatures can reach up to 2,400 degrees in the furnace and it can create high temperatures on the production floor
• The work exposes the employee to extreme light and heat, P.P.E. is supplied
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, stooping, crouching, kneeling, leaning, and using steps for 8 hour shifts
• Consistently using arms, wrist, hands, and fingers to manipulate tools and shape hot glass and keep the glass constantly moving on the blowpipe and in any moulds that may be used
• Production of certain items requires lifting the glass head high
• Regularly lift moulds made of wood, graphite, or cast iron that weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to dust, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, noise, and equipment that is hot to the touch