Apprentice Potter 2017

Supported by Seasalt Cornwall

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Apprentice Potter (Fulltime) 37.5 hours p.w.

Term of contract: Initial 24 month contract (with possible extension)

Place of work: The Leach Pottery, Higher Stennack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2HE

Reporting To: Lead Potter

Salary: Minimum Wage

Job Description: The Apprentice Potter is a full-time trainee position in the Leach Pottery studio aimed at a beginner or entry-level candidate with a genuine interest in a future career in production pottery. Initially the contract will be for 24 months (subject to successful completion of a 3 month probationary period) but with the possibility to extend the employment at the end of the contract, working towards becoming a full member of the production team.

Responsibilities:

·  Assisting the Lead Potter and team with pottery production including:

o  Clay preparation

o  Monitoring stock of clays and materials

o  Monitoring and mixing slips and glazes as necessary

o  Managing storage of dry and biscuit ware and maintaining the flow of work through the studio

o  Preparing slip and glaze tests

o  Assisting with tableware production, slipping, cleaning and finishing work

o  Helping to pack biscuit kilns

o  Helping to maintain, pack and fire reduction kilns

o  Helping to clean and sort fired work

o  Monitoring and managing stock of finished work

o  Assisting with packing and shipping to fulfil orders

·  Take part in training appropriate to the post as required

·  Assisting with the education programme as required

·  You may be asked to give assistance in other areas around the site, including the shop, exhibitions and museum.

In work training will be provided in pottery production, along with Health and Safety training and other instruction appropriate to the post.

This opportunity is aimed at a new or beginner potter. Preference will be given to candidates from within Cornwall.

Other Specific Requirements of the Post

·  Keep confidential all knowledge of company business, finance and statistics.

·  To represent the Leach Pottery and Seasalt Cornwall Ltd. and promote the brand image of the two companies through all activities

·  Ability to work additional hours to suit the needs of the business

How to Apply

To apply for this position please send:

·  An expression of interest in the role, outlining your suitability based on the job description and person specification. This can be written (no more than four sides of A4), recorded or filmed (no more than five minutes).

·  Your current CV

·  A completed Application Form

·  A completed Equal Opportunities form

They must be received by 5pm on Friday 11th August 2017 by post or email to Margaret Parma, Administrator, the Leach Pottery, Higher Stennack, St Ives TR26 2HE

Interviews will take place on the week of the 11th September. This is a two stage process;

·  Stage 1 /Practical sessions

·  Stage 2 /Interview

There will be a shortlist of people asked to the practical sessions and from this there will be a further shortlisting process to select for interview.

Interested candidates may attend an open morning at the Leach Pottery on one of the following dates (start time 10am – approximately 1.5 hours). Pre-booking is required as spaces are limited to 12 people at each open morning.

·  July 25th

·  July 27th

·  August 1st

Please contact Margaret Parma (details above) to arrange your place.

Please note that attendance at one of the open mornings is not a requirement for application.

This post is part sponsored by Seasalt Cornwall Ltd.

1.  Person specification for this post

ASSESSMENT CRITERA / ESSENTIAL SKILLS / DESIRABLE SKILLS / HOW IDENTIFIED
QUALIFICATIONS / Formal qualifications are not essential to this post. / Crafts/practical hand-working/mathematics / APPLICATION/CV
WORK RELATED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS / Previous experience is not essential to this post. / Aptitude for hand working/crafts / APPLICATION/ PRACTICAL TESTS/ INTERVIEW
PERSONAL SKILLS/ QUALITIES / Team worker
Flexible/adaptable
Loyal
Good timekeeping
Interest in crafts/hand working
Practical/pragmatic/sensible
Able to follow instruction
Able to work within a routine / Good communicator / INTERVIEW/REFERENCE
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS / Awareness of potential safety issues in a pottery studio setting / INTERVIEW

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