Start-up! Immersion in the World of Glass Makers

Some trainees had already engaged with the world a lot, and had gained experience, others were just at the beginning of their careers. However, they all learned something from the various excursions and activities during the training. For the Germans and Danes a trip to the North Bohemian Crystal Valley was an impressive experience, for the trainees interested in light and design a workshop with the lighting technician Perschl & Perschl was a highlight. The Frauenau Glass Museum, the Lamberts Glassworks and the Poschinger Glass Manufactory left new impressions on all trainees.

The 5-weeks-long business and marketing courses in February 2020 on Bornholm, on the other hand, initially met with mixed feelings. Self-marketing, organization, paperwork – topics that are rather unpopular with most trainees. But extremely important for (self-employed) glass makers. And in the end, they were all happy about what they learned during the courses.

There was also a lot to learn from practical experience during the internships at Novotný Glass, Kolektiv Ateliers, Lhotsky and Lasvit. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to benefit from this experience, as the onset of the pandemic meant an untimely end to the training. But they have all made at least one step – some more, some less – in just under six months.