Operate a ceramics kiln

Manage the temperature of a kiln to achieve the expected results according to the type of clay such as biscuit stoneware or porcelain. Manage sintering and enamels colours.

use a ceramics kiln
manage a ceramics furnace
operating a ceramics kiln
operate a kiln for ceramics

skill/competence

sector-specific

Operate a ceramics kiln is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Ceramic painter: Ceramic painters design and create visual art on ceramic surfaces and objects such as tiles, sculptures, tableware and pottery. They use a variety of techniques to produce decorative illustrations ranging from stenciling to free-hand drawing.
Production potter: Production potters process and form clay, by hand or by using the wheel, into end-products pottery, stoneware products, earthenware products and porcelain. They introduce the already shaped clay into kilns, heating them at a high temperature in order to remove all the water from the clay.
Ceramicist: Ceramicist have an in-depth knowledge of materials and the relevant know-how to develop their own methods of expression and personal projects through ceramic. Their creations can include ceramic sculptures, jewellery, domestic and commercial tablewares and kitchenwares, giftware, garden ceramics, wall and floor tiles.

Operate a ceramics kiln is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Fine arts instructor: Fine arts instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based fine arts courses at a specialised fine arts school or conservatory at a higher education level, including drawing, painting and sculpturing. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in the fine arts. Fine arts instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the fine arts through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.
Pottery and porcelain caster: Pottery and porcelain casters fill moulds with clay to cast pottery and porcelain wares. They pour excess slip out of the mould when needed, drain moulds, remove the cast from the mould, smooth the casting surfaces to remove marks and place the castings on boards to dry.
Visual arts teacher: Visual arts teachers instruct students in various styles of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, in a recreational context. They provide students with an overview of art history, but primarily utilise a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students to experiment with and master different artistic techniques, and encourage them to develop their own style.
Porcelain painter: Porcelain painters design and create visual art on porcelain surfaces and objects such as tiles and pottery. They use a variety of techniques to produce decorative illustrations ranging from stenciling to free-hand drawing.

References

1. Operate a ceramics kiln – ESCO