The Studio Apprenticeship Program will be most impactful to those who want to pursue a career in ceramics. Our Apprenticeship program is a good fit for individuals with:

• Interest in learning more about ceramic studio management & maintenance

• A desire to learn about and actively participate in the “back of the house” processes of a busy community ceramics studio

• Goals of setting up a home studio as a serious hobbyist, pursuing a career as a full time potter, pursuing a job as a ceramics studio tech or manager, or pursuing a degree in ceramics

• At least a year of experience with ceramics, either at Pottery Northwest or another ceramics studio

The Studio Apprenticeship program is not open to beginner level students because the time commitment to learn how to work with clay is already very high. For example, if you are a beginning wheel throwing student, you will be spending 3 hours a week in class, and will likely need to commit to an additional 3-5 hours a week of practice time in order to make progress in mastering ceramic techniques. With the apprenticeship commitment of an additional 4 hours a week, you would be spending 10+ hours a week at Pottery Northwest during the early stages of learning a new skill. Your learning might suffer - and that’s not good for anyone!

If you are interested in participating in the Studio Apprenticeship Program solely because of financial need, please consider applying for a scholarship.

Participation in the Apprenticeship Program requires a one-year commitment. We ask apprentices to select a weekly 4-hour shift on a set schedule in coordination with our studio team. Some things to keep in mind before making this commitment:

• We rely on you. The work done by our apprentice crew is a key part of making the magic happen at our studio. Apprentices are asked to show up on time for their shifts and prepared for the tasks on deck for the day.

• We get dirty. Working in a ceramics studio is physical, dusty/dirty and sometimes a bit smelly. You need to be comfortable bending and lifting up to 50 pounds, standing on ladders, and wearing protective gear (gloves, respirators, etc).

• Life happens. While we ask our apprentices to make their commitment thoughtfully, we also value work-life balance. We understand that you most likely have a job, your own independent practice or classes you’re enrolled in, and other life commitments and responsibilities. We will work with you if you need to take time off from your apprenticeship due to life changes or special circumstances.

Over the course of the year, apprentices receive approximately 160 hours of hands-on instruction, practice, work experience, and feedback in key studio management skills.

Each cohort is slightly different, and we work to create a variety of educational opportunities based on the requests and recommendations of the individuals that comprise the current team. Generally, apprentices will graduate the program having learned the following skills:

• Ceramic studio equipment operation and maintenance

• Environmental health and safety regulations and best practices around safe use and handling of a diverse range of chemicals and equipment

• Responsible studio cleaning practices

• Glaze mixing, testing, and familiarity with the functions of various ceramics materials in glazes and clay bodies

• High volume clay recycling utilizing a clay mixer and pug mill

• Electric kiln loading, programming, and firing

• Miscellaneous studio tasks including equipment repair, plaster casting, cone pack and test tile making, and other skills upon request

• One-on-one instruction and mentorship covering a wide range of studio & business practices over the course of the one-year commitment

• Unlimited studio access

• Four free 10-week courses

• Free small-batch glaze testing

• Unlimited free access to reclaimed clay, other clay bodies at a 50% discount

• First choice of opportunities for seasonal paid studio support work, including assistant teaching opportunities

Weekly studio tasks include:

• Mixing and sieving glazes

• Checking & adjusting specific gravity of our glazes

• Recycling clay and glaze waste

• Mixing and pugging clay

• Loading and unloading kilns

• Programming and firing kilns

• Cleaning kiln shelves

• Draining & cleaning rinse sinks

• Making test tiles and cone packs

• General studio cleaning

• Special projects and trainings as assigned

We typically open applications twice a year and accept 2-4 new apprentices each round. Applications are reviewed by the studio managers, taking into consideration each applicant’s long term goals, ceramics experience, availability, and desired learning outcomes. Applicants can expect to hear back within one month of the application due date.

Before you decide to apply, we usually ask folks to reflect on the following questions. This helps us design a more thoughtful experience for you!

• Why do I want to participate in this program?

• What am I looking to learn or gain from this experience? Are there specific technical or professional skills I want to learn?

• What kind of time commitment can I realistically make to this apprenticeship? Will there be time for me to make my own work if I am also balancing a job or my education?

This program is offered only to adults (18+) who have at least one year of experience in ceramics, either from taking classes/workshops at Pottery Northwest or elsewhere. Applicants must be able to commit to a weekly 4-hour shift for the duration of the year-long program.