Glass Forming and Finishing Machine Operators and Glass Cutters
(NOC 9413)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesGlass forming and finishing machine operators use 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 work for glass and glass products manufacturing companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Glass Forming and Finishing Machine Operators and Glass Cutters most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 67% of Glass Forming and Finishing Machine Operators and Glass Cutters who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$27,782
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Glass forming and finishing machine operators use 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 work for glass and glass products manufacturing companies.
Job duties
Glass process control operators:
- Use 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.
- Watch gauges, computer printouts, and video monitors to verify processing conditions and make changes, as necessary.
- Maintain shift log of production and other data.
- May use process control machinery to cut glass or assemble glass window units.
- May clean and maintain process machinery.
- May make sure adequate levels of oil, soap, talc, or other materials are used in machine production of glass.
Glass forming machine operators:
- Set up and adjust automatic glass feeding, flowing, and forming machines.
- Use and maintain machines that press or blow molten glass in moulds to form or shape containers like bottles, jars and drinking glasses.
- Use 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 glass from sticking.
- Weigh, measure, and check production samples using scales and gauges and by visual verification to make sure they meet specifications.
Glass finishing machine operators:
- Set up and adjust glass and glass-product finishing machines.
- Use 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 like 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 get the best cut.
- Cut glass along marked outlines or around pattern using hand tools.
- Smooth rough edges using belt sander or smoothing wheels.
- Set up, run, and adjust computerized or robotic glass cutting equipment.
- Monitor process for product quality.
Sample job titles
- bottle machine operator
- float operator
- glass beveller
- glass edger
- glass moulder
- glass-blowing machine operator
- glass-finishing machine operator
- glass-pressing machine operator
- hand glass cutter
- mirror maker
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical ability are important. You must be accurate and pay attention to detail. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be necessary.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Experience as a machine operator helper in glass manufacturing is usually necessary for machine operators in this unit group.
- Experience as a glass cutter helper is usually necessary for manual glass cutters.
Other considerations
Shiftwork is common in these jobs. Movement is possible among the various types of machine operators in this unit group. ** Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
North Shore
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
15-24
25-34
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
N/AHigh school
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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