Job market information
Finding out about glazed ceramics
The glazed ceramics industry is part of the process manufacturing sector, represented by Proskills Sector Skills Council. This sector also includes the following industries: building products; coatings; extractive and mineral process; furniture, furnishing and interiors; glass and related industries; paper; plus print and printed packaging. In addition, there are several industries that are aligned with Proskills industries, including: glazing and window manufacture; soft furnishings; design; paper merchants; and mining services. The sector as a whole currently employs an estimated 810,000 people in around 76,900 workplaces. Since 1998, there has been a steady decline in the numbers employed in the sector as a whole and the number of workplaces, but productivity in the sector has continued to increase over the same period. Overall, the sector will need to recruit almost 93,000 people up to 2017 to replace those retiring or leaving the sector.
The UK ceramics industry covers the manufacture of:
- Ceramic household and ornamental articles
- Ceramic sanitary fixtures
- Ceramic tiles and flags
- Other ceramic products
Key facts:
- There are an estimated 30,000 people employed in the industry, across 1,200 workplaces.
- Workers in the industry tend to be full‐time and directly employed, rather than on a contract basis.
- Work is often shift‐based, especially in lower levels jobs.
- 17% of the workforce has a Level 1 or entry level qualification, 19% a Level 2, 20% a Level 3, 10% a Level 4 and 16% a Level 5 qualification.
- Turnover for the industry is currently around £1.4 billion.
- There are 2,903 sole traders in the industry.
Jobs in the industry range from: ceramics designer‐maker, kiln controller, ceramic decorator, ceramic/potter maker.
Entry and progression
For those wishing to enrol on apprenticeships in the industry, there are no imposed entry requirements, except that entrants should have a good basic education.
Those wishing to enter the industry should have the following skills and attributes: punctuality and good time‐keeping; self‐motivation; enthusiasm; team‐working; capacity to follow instruction; demonstrate the potential to complete qualifications; willingness to learn and apply that learning; and willingness to multi‐skill and adapt to different work roles.
There is a range of relevant industry courses, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and training schemes available.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
30,000 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
1,200 |
|---|
| Gender: |
51% male |
49% female |
|---|
| Age: |
2% of workforce is 16-24 years |
|---|
| 29% 25-34 years |
| 17% 35-44 years |
| 33% 45-54 years |
| 16% 55-64 years |
| 2% 65 years and over |
| Disability: |
17% of the workforce considers themselves to have a disability. |
|---|
Employment trends and future prospects
The industry has declined in size over the last decade, but more recently employment numbers have stabilised.
Skill requirements and shortages
Generally, the skill needs for the future will be in higher level management and technical operations. This is particularly important as more elementary tasks become automated. There will be a continuing need for health and safety skills in the industry. It will become more important for people to be multi‐skilled and able to work across several areas of the business.
Skill shortages in the industry include:
- Employability skills, such as team‐working, having a good attitude, and using initiative
- Craft and Technical skills, such as the use of new technology, design and use of clay
- Management and Leadership skills
Occupational trends
The largest occupational groups in the industry are:
- Skilled Trades Occupations
- Managers and Senior Officials
- Process, Plant and Machine Operatives
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 1,600 employees in the regional workforce, in around 90 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in the East Midlands.
East of England – There are an estimated 2,600 employees in the regional workforce, in around 90 workplaces.
London – There are an estimated 3,900 employees in the regional workforce, in around 80 workplaces.
North East – There are an estimated 1,800 employees in the regional workforce, in around 30 workplaces.
North West – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 80 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in the North West.
South East – There are an estimated 1,800 employees in the regional workforce, in around 130 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in the South East.
South West – There are an estimated 1,800 employees in the regional workforce, in around 140 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in the South West.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 8,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 workplaces. The industry has a large presence in the West Midlands, particularly around Stoke‐on‐Trent.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 3,400 employees in the regional workforce, in around 60 workplaces.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in less than 50 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland.
Scotland – There are an estimated 2,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 100 workplaces.
Wales – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 100 workplaces. There are very few manufacturing sites in Wales.
Salary levels
There is limited information on pay scales in this industry, so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries:
- Ceramics designer‐maker – starting salaries around £16,000, rising to £30,000 or more for experience designers
- Kiln controller – salaries range from around £12,000 to £35,000 or more
- Ceramic decorator – salaries range from around £10,000 to £20,000
- Ceramic/potter maker – salaries range from around £10,000 to £20,000
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Proskills AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
