Glass making is an art, a science, and an industry. Glass blowers are skilled in a craft that takes strength, steady hands, and care. A glass tube is heated to the melting point, then breath or compressed air is used to give the tube shape. The blower uses special tools to manipulate this molten glass into the intended form.

Glass blowers may learn the job as an apprentice to a master glass blower. Some colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in scientific glass technology or glass art. Craft schools may also offer training. In some plants, on-the-job training is available.

Glass molders, benders, and finishers are trained in particular stages of glass production. They pour the glass into molds, bend it into shape, and polish the surface. Glassware made in a factory setting also begins in the molten state.

However, in today's environment, much of its production is handled by machines. For both hand- and machine-made glass, the final touch is an inspection to make sure the object made will perform as intended, whether to hold water on the dining room table or to hold attention as a work of art.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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.

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.