Stained glass craftsperson
Level 4 · HigherCreative and design 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 4 apprenticeship trains craftspeople in the traditional art of designing, cutting, painting, and leading stained glass for installation in historic, ecclesiastical, or contemporary settings. Apprentices develop technical skills in glass selection, painting with vitreous enamels, and lead work construction. It can lead to roles as a Master Stained Glass Artist, Conservation Specialist, or running an independent studio.
On the job
What you’ll learn
History and styles of stained glass from medieval to contemporary
Glass cutting, grozing, and selection for design purposes
Lead work including cutting, stretching, and soldering came
Painting on glass using vitreous enamels and kiln firing techniques
Conservation and restoration principles for historic stained glass
Design development, scale drawing, and producing cartoons
Safe use of chemicals, kilns, and specialist studio equipment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Cut and shape glass pieces accurately to a design cartoon
Lead up and solder glass panels following traditional methods
Paint glass with vitreous enamels and fire in a kiln
Carry out conservation work on historic stained glass windows
Prepare design drawings and scale cartoons for new commissions
Install or re-install completed panels in architectural settings
Maintain studio equipment including kilns and leading benches
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.