Potters, Manufacturing Go Back to List Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Inventory management software

Tasks
	Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
	Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
	Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing.
	Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
	Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
	Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
	Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
	Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
	Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
	Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces.

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	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.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $45,874.00 $22.05  $17.65  $18.97 - $24.69  Bridgeport/Stamford $47,406.00 $22.79  $17.97  $19.66 - $25.15  Hartford $46,052.00 $22.15  $18.35  $19.14 - $24.69  New Haven $46,291.00 $22.26  $16.92  $18.52 - $25.04

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   33   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow much faster than average, but the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.