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Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers

SOC 51-9195.04Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers glass forming, inspection, and production recordkeeping in a hot-glass manufacturing environment, calibrated from entry-level bench work through shop leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Gas flames and ovens — operate under direct supervision to heat glass to a pliable stage on a production floor.
  2. Glass rotation technique — apply basic hand movements to heat glass uniformly while following demonstrated procedures.
  3. Micrometers and calipers — use under guidance to take dimensional measurements of finished glass products.
  4. Product specifications — read and interpret written work orders to identify acceptable size and weight tolerances.
  5. Completed glass pieces — inspect visually for obvious surface defects under the direction of a senior glassworker.
  6. Production quantities and sizes — record basic manufacturing data onto standardized paper logs as instructed.
  7. Hand tools and forming equipment — handle with caution following established safety protocols in a hot-glass shop.
  8. Inventory management software — enter simple stock counts under supervision to support shop recordkeeping.
  9. Color and clarity variations — identify visible differences in glass material using unaided near vision on the bench.
  10. Oven temperature settings — monitor gauges and alert a supervisor when readings fall outside posted guidelines.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Gas flame intensity and glass temperature — adjust controls routinely to reach the correct pliable stage across standard product runs.
  2. Rotating and forming motions — perform with consistent arm-hand steadiness to produce uniform wall thickness on familiar glass shapes.
  3. Rulers, magnifiers, and micrometers — select and apply appropriate measuring instruments to verify conformance without supervisor prompting.
  4. Daily production records — maintain accurate logs of quantities, sizes, and product types using spreadsheet software independently.
  5. Minor dimensional deviations — detect and correct during forming before pieces advance to the finishing station.
  6. Quality checkpoints — follow a structured inspection sequence to assess weight, clarity, and surface finish against shop standards.
  7. Electronic mail software — communicate shift production summaries and material shortages to supervisors in a timely manner.
  8. Forming and bending protocols — adapt technique when working with moderately complex shapes or non-standard glass stock.
  9. Safety and process instructions — read and apply written procedure updates to daily work with minimal clarification needed.
  10. Heat cycle timing — monitor multiple pieces in rotation to maintain consistent softness levels during a sustained production shift.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex glass forms and specialty bends — execute autonomously using precise flame control and rate-controlled rotation in a high-volume shop.
  2. Full inspection workflow — conduct independent dimensional, weight, and visual analysis using calipers, micrometers, and magnifiers against tight tolerances.
  3. Non-conforming products — diagnose root causes of defects through critical thinking and adjust process parameters to prevent recurrence.
  4. Production and processing knowledge — apply understanding of material behavior at varying temperatures to troubleshoot unusual glass responses.
  5. Manufacturing data systems — maintain complete and accurate records of production runs, waste, and rework using inventory and spreadsheet software.
  6. Color discrimination and visualization — identify subtle hue inconsistencies and anticipate three-dimensional form outcomes before final shaping.
  7. Billing and invoicing software — generate accurate job cost entries by cross-referencing finished goods records with order specifications.
  8. Sustained precision work — maintain control and attention to detail across full shifts involving repetitive high-temperature forming tasks.
  9. Equipment performance — monitor ovens, burners, and forming tools for signs of malfunction and initiate corrective maintenance requests.
  10. Verbal and written instructions — interpret complex customer specifications and translate them into precise forming and finishing actions.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Shop-wide quality standards — establish and enforce inspection criteria for all glass forming, bending, and finishing operations across the production team.
  2. Junior and mid-level glassworkers — mentor in flame control, rotation technique, and measurement practices to build consistent craft competency.
  3. Production workflows and scheduling — design efficient heat-cycle rotations and workstation layouts to maximize output and minimize rework.
  4. Process improvement initiatives — lead analysis of recurring defect patterns and implement updated forming protocols based on findings.
  5. Inventory and materials management — oversee procurement cycles and stock levels using inventory management software to prevent production delays.
  6. Customer and personal service requirements — translate complex or custom client specifications into actionable shop standards and training references.
  7. Technology and tooling decisions — evaluate new forming equipment, measurement instruments, and software to recommend adoption at organizational level.
  8. Safety and compliance culture — set behavioral standards for heat-hazard management and enforce cautiousness protocols across the entire production floor.
  9. Cross-functional reporting — synthesize production quantity, quality, and cost data into management summaries that inform business decisions.
  10. Craft knowledge preservation — document advanced glass-forming techniques, temperature benchmarks, and finishing sequences into structured training materials for the organization.

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Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Artificial Glass Eye Maker · Bender · Blow Molder · Blower · Bottle Blower · Fiber Glass Worker · Gaffer · Glass Bender · Glass Block Bender · Glass Block Installer · Glass Blower · Glass Blower Technician
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical Thinking
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingDesignMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsEnglish Language
Abilities
Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessReaction TimeControl PrecisionVisualizationManual DexterityVisual Color DiscriminationSelective AttentionFinger DexterityRate Control
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessSelf-ControlPerseveranceStress Tolerance
Technology
Billing and invoicing softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Heat glass to pliable stage, using gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat it uniformly.
  2. Inspect, weigh, and measure products to verify conformance to specifications, using instruments such as micrometers, calipers, magnifiers, or rulers.
  3. Record manufacturing information, such as quantities, sizes, or types of goods produced.
CIP education codes
52.020547.060747.060847.060947.061548.0503

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.