Potters, Manufacturing

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This occupation is part of the Production cluster

About the Job

Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.

It is also Called

  • Artist
  • Ceramic Artist
  • Clay Artisan
  • Clay Artist
  • Clay Mixer
  • Etcher
  • Glazer
  • Jigger Artisan
  • Jigger Machine Operator
  • Jiggerman

What They Do

  • Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
  • Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
  • Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing.
  • Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
  • Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
  • Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
  • Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
  • Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
  • Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
  • Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels in order to separate finished pieces.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RA.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Artistic environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Relationships and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  • Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Education Required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $30,270 with most people making between $18,740 and $45,080

Outlook

0.00%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 4,100 people in California. It is projected that there will be 4,000 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 150 replacement openings for approximately 150 total annual openings.

Industries that Employ this Occupation

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