Hiring and Sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers (SOC Code 5441)

Glass and Ceramics Makers; Decorators and Finishers - SOC Code 5441

Glass and ceramics makers, classified under SOC Code 5441, are skilled artisans who specialize in the creation and finishing of glass and ceramic items. Their craftsmanship is vital to the manufacturing processes in various sectors, enhancing both functional and decorative aspects of products. The UK’s thriving glass and ceramics industry continually seeks adept professionals to meet rising consumer demand and innovate within the field. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in understanding the hiring and sponsorship process for these talented artisans under the UK’s immigration framework.

• Core Responsibilities:
• • Utilize hand tools and machinery to heat, bend, shape, and cut glass.
  • Produce a variety of glass items, including artificial eyes, laminated glass sheets, and optical lenses.
  • Make models and molds with clay and plaster for pottery and ceramic casting.
  • Employ techniques such as throwing, casting, and pressing to create pottery and other stoneware items.
  • Cut and join unfired stoneware pipes for plumbing applications and assist in creating refractory goods.
  • Apply decorative techniques on glass and ceramics through grinding, smoothing, polishing, and painting.
• Industry Context:
• • The UK boasts a rich tradition in glass and ceramics, with numerous organizations actively seeking skilled individuals for both traditional and contemporary production.
  • Demand continues to escalate for innovative glass and ceramic solutions across various sectors, including architecture, design, and retail.
• Hiring Insights:
• • Many businesses and manufacturers look to recruit from a global talent pool to ensure diverse skill sets and creative approaches.
  • An understanding of artisanal techniques as well as modern machinery is imperative for prospective candidates.

This guide will support HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring glass and ceramics makers, ensuring a seamless integration into the UK labor market.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers?

SOC Code 5441 refers to glass and ceramics makers, decorators, and finishers who utilize various hand tools and machinery to shape and enhance glass and ceramic products. Their responsibilities can include:

• Handcrafting and Shaping Glass: Using hand tools and machines to heat, bend, and mold glass into various forms, including:
• • Creating artificial eyes and laminated glass sheets or blocks.
  • Marking optical lenses and assembling rimless spectacles.
• Ceramics Production: Making models and molds from molding clay and plaster for pottery and other ceramic goods. This involves:
• • Throwing, casting, and pressing clay to produce items such as stoneware, bricks, crucibles, and decorative ornaments.
• Pipe and Component Assembly: 
• • Cutting and joining unfired stoneware pipes to create junctions and gullies.
  • Molding sealing bands on clay pipes and preparing porcelain or earthenware components.
• Decorative Finishing: Applying decorative designs and finishes to glassware and ceramics through techniques such as:
• • Grinding, smoothing, polishing, cutting, etching, dipping, painting, or transferring patterns and labels.

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators, and finishers play an essential role in the manufacturing and artistic sectors, contributing to both functional and artistic pieces that enhance everyday life and cultural expression.

Eligibility to Hire Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of crafting techniques and meet specific experience criteria. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Proficient in using hand tools and machinery for heating, bending, shaping, pressing, drilling, and cutting glass and ceramics.
• Experience: Previous experience in glass making, ceramics, or related fields, including the production of items such as pottery, stoneware, and glass products.
• Artistic Ability: Demonstrated ability in applying decorative designs and finishes through techniques like grinding, smoothing, polishing, etching, and painting.
• Knowledge of Materials: Understanding of the properties and handling of materials used in glass and ceramics, including clay, porcelain, and glass composites.
• Education: While formal education may not be required, training in ceramics, glass artistry, or a related field can enhance qualifications.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to produce high-quality, aesthetically pleasing products, ensuring consistent finishes and adherence to design specifications.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 5441 and that the maker's experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers under SOC Code 5441.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers

Before the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finisherss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers

Sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers under SOC Code 5441 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and  finishers under SOC Code 5441 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.