An Introduction to Kiln Firing and Studio Technician

About this course

This course introduces the operational and technical work involved in supporting a ceramics workshop. It covers clay bodies, slips, glazes, stains, forming and finishing processes, along with procedures for preparing materials and managing drying and greenware. Teaching combines demonstrations, supervised practice and short knowledge checks. Participants examine kiln loading, firing schedules, pyrometric cones, firing records, hazard controls and routine equipment checks, including when faults should be escalated.

What you'll learn

• Identify common ceramics hazards and apply controls involving PPE, ventilation, wet methods and safe storage.
• Prepare and reclaim clay, mix basic slips, and label ceramic materials accurately.
• Sieve, adjust, develop and test glaze batches.
• Manage drying and greenware handling to reduce damage and loss.
• Load and fire kilns, select firing schedules, read pyrometric cones and complete firing records.
• Carry out routine kiln and equipment maintenance checks and recognise when faults need escalation.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners developing ceramics studio and technician skills rather than complete beginners to making. No prior ceramics qualification is required, but participants should already be able to make test tiles and pots without instruction. The course involves demonstrations, supervised practical work, following written procedures, and safely moving materials in a workshop.

• Some prior practical ceramics experience is expected, even though a formal qualification is not required.
• Participants should be comfortable following written procedures and working safely in a workshop environment.
• Safe lifting and movement of materials are part of the expected participation.

Before you go

• Participants are required to bring a wipeable apron, basic pottery tools, a notebook, a silica-dust mask, and a plastic box or container for making a plaster bat.
• Small lidded containers for glaze and a small lidded bucket for mixing glaze are also required. Comfortable clothing that can get dirty is recommended.