Craftsperson

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Artisans and Craftspersons (5244) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Artisans and Craftspersons (F144) 
• 2011 NOC: Artisans and craftspersons (5244) 

Craftspersons work with a wide range of materials and produce many different types of products. They are often known by titles that describe what they work with or produce. Therefore, there are myriad of terms used to describe workers in this occupation.

Craftspersons may specialize in designing and creating particular types of crafts or they may work in several media. Some of the crafts produced include:

• clay products such as pottery, ceramics, sculpture, tiles or art objects
• leaded, cut and stained, flameworked and blown, cast, fused or other glass objects ranging from beads to architectural installations
• traditional or contemporary jewellery
• metal objects such as furniture, utensils, light fixtures, knives or architectural details from materials such as wrought iron, steel, or cast bronze or aluminum
• wood objects such as furniture, tableware, wildlife sculptures, musical instruments or architectural features
• fibre and fabric objects such as quilts, costumes, paper, woven goods or fibre art
• saddles or other leather objects
• ethnocultural or Aboriginal objects such as traditional or contemporary ceremonial pieces or dance outfits
• special event items such as Ukrainian eggs or wedding jewellery.

In addition to working in their craft, craftspersons spend a considerable amount of time on business activities such as marketing and accounting.

Most craftspersons work in home-based studios and set their own hours. Depending on their craft, they may have to observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working with hazardous chemicals, materials or processes.

Craftspersons need to possess:

• a passion for making things
• creativity and talent
• determination, self-discipline and self-motivation
• good visual, tactile and spatial perception
• good hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity.

They should enjoy using knowledge of their media to design and construct new things, and using tools and equipment to do work requiring precision.

Most craftspersons are self-employed. They may do custom work, sell wholesale to retail outlets and craft galleries, or market their work directly to the public. Those who market their work directly may sell items from home studios or at craft shows, or arrange to have their work displayed in retail stores, galleries, museums, office buildings or other public spaces. They also may market their work on the Internet or through publications and competitions.

Some craftspersons are employed as instructors by post-secondary schools, private studios and recreational organizations. Craftspersons also may be employed as arts administrators, exhibit designers or curators.

Craftspersons are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5244: Artisans and craftspersons. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Alberta Craft Council website: www.albertacraft.ab.ca

American Craft Council website: www.craftcouncil.org

Canadian Crafts Federation website: canadiancraftsfederation.ca

Cultural Human Resources Council, The Art of Managing Your Career website: www.culturalhrc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.