Candle maker

Candle makers mold candles, place the wick in the middle of the mold and fill the mold with wax, by hand or machine. They remove the candle from the mold, scrape off excess wax and inspect the candle for any deformities.

The duties of a candle maker include, but are not limited to:

• Stringing candle wicks through a dipping frame according to standard specifications.
• Selecting and preparing wax for dipping containers.
• Pouring molten wax into dipping molds.
• Dipping wicks by hand or with the aid of a dipping mechanism.
• Trimming and dyeing candles to desired specifications.
• Grading candles according to design, size, and color.
• Creating new candle shapes and color designs.
• Recording production data.

The following job titles also refer to candle maker:

wax candle maker
candle former
artisanal candle maker
candle making machine tender
candlemaker
candle factory worker
candle production inspector
candle making machine operative
candle making machine operator
candle molder
candle making machine worker
artisan candle maker
chandler
candle moulder
candle inspector

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a candle maker.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Candle maker is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to candle maker.

wax bleacher
sectional belt mould assembler
hand brick moulder
plastic furniture machine operator
moulding machine operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of candle maker. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of candle maker with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

hardware and paint shop manager
toys and games shop manager
commissioning technician
floor and wall coverings shop manager
second-hand shop manager

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of candle maker.

• Types of waxes: Waxes are organic compounds composed of alkyl chains and they can have different origins. There are animal waxes such as beewax, plant waxes such as soja or palm wax, and petroleum derived waxes.
• Candle making techniques: The characteristics and specifications of candle making techniques which comprise wax melting and candles containers.

These skills are necessary for the role of candle maker.

• Construct moulds: Construct moulds for the casting of objects in plaster, clay, glass, plastic or metal. Use casting machines and materials such as rubber, plaster or fibreglass.
• Shape candles: Cut and trim candles to specified sizes, using handtools such as knives or hand dies.
• Cool candles in baths: Dip the candles or molds into a water bath in order to accelerate cooling and create a shinier surface.
• Melt wax: Safely heat wax to the correct temperature so it melts and becomes a pliable susbtance.
• Fill moulds: Fill up moulds with appropriate materials and ingredient mixes.
• Use moulding techniques: Apply moulding techniques.
• Extract products from moulds: Remove finished products from moulds and examine them in detail for anomalies.
• Tend wax bleaching machinery: Tend machinery used in candlemaking such as vats and filter presses to bleach wax.
• Insert wick: Cut the wick to specified length and insert it into the mould of the candle.
• Dye candles: Apply a dye to the candle wax to obtain the desired colour.
• Drip candles: Drip wicks in heated wax repeatedly to create candles, either by hand or machine.
• Control temperature: Measure and adjust temperature of a given space or object.
• Ensure conformity to specifications: Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.
• Grade candles: Rate candles according to type, colour and size.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of candle maker. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Beeswax: Beeswax composition which comprises esthers, pigment from pollen and propolis. Beeswax properties such as insolubility in water and natural oxidization.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of candle maker. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Trim excess materials: Trim excess material from finished products with a knife.
• Select mould types: Select the appropriate type and size of mould based on the operation.
• Order supplies: Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
• Use heat gun: Use a heat gun to warm up various surfaces such as wood, plastic, or metals to shape them, remove paint or other substances.
• Carve materials: Carve an object out of a material such as wood, or give a specific shape to a material by carving it.
• Repair mould defects: Repair mould malfunctions and damage, e.g. cracks or broken edges; use hand tools, mould boxes and patterns.
• Pack goods: Pack different kinds of goods such as finished manufactured products or goods in use. Pack goods by hand in boxes, bags and other types of containers.
• Ensure correct goods labelling: Ensure that goods are labeled with all necessary labeling information (e.g. legal, technological, hazardous and others) regarding the product. Ensure that labels respects the legal requirements and adhere to regulations.
• Maintain mould parts: Carry out minor repair tasks and maintenance of moulds and mould parts.
• Add scent: Melt the wax, choose the appropriate amount of fragrance and mix it when the wax reaches the right temperature.
• Record production data: Keep a record of data such as name, colour and quantity of the produced goods.
• Ensure mould uniformity: Oversee uniformity of moulds; use casting equipment and tools such as hand press.
• Set up the controller of a machine: Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
• Match product moulds: Change moulds to match product specification. Run test samples and check for proper specifications.

7319 – Handicraft workers not elsewhere classified

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References

1. Candle maker – ESCO
2. Candle Maker Job Description – Betterteam
3. Featured image: By Masayuki – Flickr.com – image description page, CC BY 2.0