Confidence boost for luxury crystal glass maker
Cumbria Crystal’s Production Operator, Jonathan Rigg completes his NVQ qualification in glass processing to further his personal development and excel in his role.
Jonathan joined the company in 2015 and has since been trained to work on the processes necessary to prepare crystal after blowing before it proceeds to the glass cutting phase. He has also been trained in the acid-polishing process used to polish crystal after cutting on the diamond lathes. Each piece of crystal is immersed in hot hydrofluoric and sulphuric acid for 42 minutes (dissolving up to 10% of the glass) to create the stunning sparkling finish of luxury crystal.
Chris Blade, Managing Director of Cumbria Crystal comments:
“Johnny recently completed an NVQ qualification in glass processing with the generous assistance of the Glass Manufacturers’ Educational trust. He joined our glass blowing team and has been working with our master blower Steve Brettle. His skills levels are improving and he is becoming a confident assistant in the glass house. This would not have been possible without support from the trust.”
Jonathan is now responsible for all acid polishing and crystal repairs at Cumbria Crystal. He is also now capable of training new starters in glass processing operations which includes cracking off crystal, grinding, and edge polishing. He is currently working with two new starters, one of whom joined the company via the new government Kickstart programme designed to help unemployed 18-24 year olds back into work.
