Apprenticeship training course

Stained glass craftsperson (level 4)

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Information about Stained glass craftsperson (level 4)

Research, design, craft, construction and fitting of stained glass.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Basic health and safety requirements associated within the workshop and on-site, including COSHH legislation, risk assessment method statements, working at height, use of tools, materials and associated processes.
  • The hazards associated with different materials and sustainable waste disposal processes.
  • The importance and requirements of clear communication to staff team, clients and external colleagues.
  • The context of each project through research and consider this in your working process. E.g. monetary, historical or cultural value.
  • The developments of artistic styles, processes and materials as well as the wider architectural and historic context of stained glass within a particular building/setting.
  • Appropriate research for each project and how to utilise a range of relevant and credible sources.
  • The information required to be collected during site visits to enable project work to progress e.g. measurements required and how to use templates.
  • The requirements for developing designs and which methods should be used to inform the designs e.g. knowing when to use a rubbing or a cut-line drawing.
  • How to dismantle and assemble glass panels to ensure glass can be removed or replaced without damage.
  • The importance of accurate documentation e.g. recording of positioning, damage and previous repairs.
  • Materials commonly used in architectural glass windows including different types of glass e.g. flash glass, hand blown and machine-made glass.
  • How to safely and correctly cut specialist glass using appropriate hand tools e.g. correct hand positioning when using glass cutter.
  • Different storage and handling considerations for fragile/large/heavy glass panels.
  • How to select and handle appropriate materials for fabrication. E.g. Lead types.
  • How to cut and shape materials when fabricating. E.g. Lead or other materials.
  • How to construct a large-scale architectural glass panel to maximize stability. E.g. lead matrix.
  • Joining or soldering processes specific to fabrication. E.g. Stained glass fabrication or bonding techniques.
  • The importance of correct waterproofing procedures and selection of materials. E.g. cementing or sealants.
  • The importance of building and environmental regulations and security requirements for a window within an architectural context.

  Skills

  • Apply health and safety precautions associated within the workshop and on-site, including COSHH, safe handling and useage of tools, materials and associated processes, use of PPE, adhering to risk assessment method statements and complying with working at height legislation.
  • Clearly communicate information to staff colleagues and external clients/stakeholders.
  • Collecting, documenting and applying appropriate research for each project and utilising a range of relevant and credible sources including photography, sketches and note-taking.
  • Accurately measure widths, heights, bar positions, lead profiles, etc. of openings e.g. using tape measures and fabricating templates of openings.
  • Preparing accurate drawings and cartoons using measurements and templates taken on-site.
  • Create rubbings using paper and wax method to faithfully reproduce original designs.
  • Accurately and appropriately document existing condition of panel through photography, drawing and note-taking.
  • Safely and systematically dismantle or assemble glass panels using the appropriate tools to ensure glass can be removed or re-assembled without damage.
  • Safely and correctly cut specialist glass using appropriate hand tools e.g. glass cutter, using appropriate positioning for both hand and type of glass.
  • Ensure correct storage and safe handling is used for fragile/ large/heavy glass panels.
  • Undertake construction processes appropriate to project including preparation and cleaning. E.g. using a soldering iron for stained-glass or bonding glass elements.
  • Application of correct waterproofing procedures, selecting correct materials. E.g. cementing or sealing.
  • Select and handle correct specialist materials appropriate to the task e.g. flat leads, convex leads.
  • Safely cut and shape specialist materials using appropriate tools. E.g. lead or glass
  • Construct using appropriate methods depending on fabricating technique. E.g. lead matrices to maximize stability which ensures longevity.

  Behaviours

  • Awareness and proactive approach towards the legal health and safety obligations required in the workplace, both individually and towards others.
  • Awareness of effective communication and teamwork within studio and external stakeholder engagements including appreciation of allied trades and how they all contribute to the project.
  • A methodical and organised approach to collecting, clearly presenting and applying research.
  • Maintaining accuracy and an eye for detail when conducting all work.
  • Consistently selecting most appropriate methods and ways of working for each project.
  • Maintaining systematic an organised approach to tasks.
  • Respect and care of tools and equipment.
  • Care and appreciation of the artefact being worked on e.g. sentimental, historic and monetary value.
  • Appreciate own knowledge and skill levels and recognise when the situation may be beyond own capabilities.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Creative and design
• Qualification level: 4; Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
• Course duration: 36 months
• Funding: £27,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Lead Glazier
  • Stained Glass Conservator
  • Conservation Glazier
  • Stained Glass Artist
  • Glass Painter
  • Stained Glass Designer
  • Stained Glass Fabricator
  • Stained Glass Craftsperson

View more information about Stained glass craftsperson (level 4) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.