Introduction to Kiln Firing and Studio Technician

This course will take you through studio operations, materials and process knowledge, kiln firing and management, and processes for supporting a ceramics workshop.

This is a three day course delivered on three consecutive Sundays. Sunday times are 9:00am – 4:00pm

There are an additional two Friday evening sessions that are offered to those that would like further hands on experience. Friday times are 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Delivery method : Demonstration, supervised practice and short knowledge checks.

What The Course is About:

Program aims

Develop technicians’ competence in ceramics studio practice.

Build practical understanding of clay bodies, slips, glazes, stains, and common forming and finishing processes.

Train technicians to operate, load, and program kilns and associated firing records

Materials Required:

Wipeable apron,

Notebook,

Basic pottery tools (knife, needle tool, sponge, wooden modelling tools, kidney, small paintbrush, cutting wire)

Mask, appropriate for silica dust,

Plastic box or container to make a plaster bat.

Small lidded plastic containers (preferably watertight) to hold glaze.

Small lidded bucket to make glaze

Please wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty.

Previous Experience:

No prior ceramics qualification required, but participants should be able to follow written procedures, lift/move materials safely, and work comfortably in a workshop environment.

Learners should have enough ceramic experience to make their own test tiles and pots without instruction.

End of course:

Learning outcomes

Identify key hazards in ceramics (silica dust, chemicals, heat, manual handling) and apply appropriate controls (PPE, ventilation, wet methods, safe storage).