Overview
Glass forming and finishing machine operators operate multi-function process control machinery or single-function machines to melt, form, cut or finish flat glass, glassware, bottles, and other glass products. Glass cutters cut flat glass of various thicknesses to specified sizes and shapes by hand. They are employed by glass and glass products manufacturing companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Glass process control operators
Operate multi-function process control machinery through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems to mix and melt raw materials; heat, anneal, temper or form float glass or glass products; and coat glass with silver or other metals and materials
Observe gauges, computer printouts and video monitors to verify specified processing conditions and make adjustments as necessary
Maintain shift log of production and other data
May operate process control machinery to cut glass or assemble glass window units
May clean and maintain process machinery
May ensure adequate levels of oil, soap, talc or other materials used in machine production of glass.
Glass forming machine operators
Set up and adjust automatic glass feeding, flowing and forming machines
Operate and maintain machines that press or blow molten glass in moulds to form or shape containers, such as bottles, jars and drinking glasses
Operate electric kilns that heat glass sheets and mould to the shape and curve of metal jigs
Spray or swab moulds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass
Weigh, measure and check production samples to assess conformance to specifications using scales and gauges and by visual verification.
Glass finishing machine operators
Set up and adjust glass and glass-product finishing machines
Operate and maintain finishing machines to grind, drill, sand, bevel, decorate, wash or polish glass or glass products
Visually inspect products for quality
Record manufacturing information such as quantity, size and type of goods produced.
Glass cutters
Jig, measure and mark glass or place pattern on or under glass for cutting
Examine and mark defective glass to obtain best cut
Cut glass along marked outlines or around pattern using hand tools
Smooth rough edges using belt sander or smoothing wheels
Set up, operate and adjust computerized or robotic glass cutting equipment
Monitor process for product quality.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$43,610
$54,226
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
30expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school may be required.
Experience as a machine operator helper in glass manufacturing is usually required for machine operators in this unit group.
Experience as a glass cutter helper is usually required for manual glass cutters.
Additional information
Mobility is possible among the various types of machine operators in this unit group.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.