apprenticeships for commercial stained glass

by Marty Stahl
(Pittsburgh, PA)

Q: I am interested in learning about the viability of being an apprentice in the stained glass restoration industry.

Do you know of programs that offer apprenticeships. Can you tell me how much they pay or do not pay. Is there opportunity to work and learn at the same time and if so where.

If I became a master in stained glass, how much can I expect to make that will support me or will I have to do something else also.

I am interested in any information that you can offer as I make my decision to choose Stained Glass Artist as my career path.

Thank you

Our A: Hello! You ask a very big question about making stained glass a career as well as where you can do an apprenticeship.

I believe you can make a living with stained glass. BUT it will take a lot of work and dedication. Nothing comes easy in life.

I personally have another occupation as I work thru the website- working on building it - hopefully to make it a full time career.

As for an apprenticeship - I would check with stained glass experts or classes in your area. Or you can visit websites such as...

aisg.on.ca to find classes in your area & stainedglass.org - they are the professional trade association that will point you in the right direction.

You have to be creative with marketing, selling, producing and work area.

Read thru our high level articles on marketing and selling to get an idea of setting up a stained glass business in general.

We also produce stained glass videos available for sale- cutting, grinding/foiling and soldering. These will show you the tools and the technique.

Do your research before just jumping in. Then once you have talked, and read then you should be able to make a good decision.

Good luck- this is a great hobby/business. There are also some great articles from a gentleman who has frequented our sight named David Gomm who can provide insight on this as well!