The Linwood Pottery

Apprenticeship

About Us

Linwood Pottery is a kiln building and pottery workshop owned and operated by Judah Birkeland, located in Linwood, Minnesota, approximately 30 miles north of the Twin Cities.

The primary focus of the workshop is the design and manufacture of small-scale, highly efficient wood-fired pottery kilns. These kilns are built in-house and shipped to locations across the United States.

Alongside kiln production, Judah maintains a small studio practice where he develops and tests new kiln designs through active use—producing pottery and researching the full capabilities of each system.

About the Apprenticeship

This is a two-year apprenticeship with the potential to transition into full-time employment upon completion. Compensation follows a tiered structure, increasing as skills, efficiency, and responsibility grow over time.

The apprenticeship consists of two primary components:

  1. Part-time paid work (approximately 20 hours/week):
    Assisting in kiln construction and general shop operations.

  2. Studio access:
    Open access to the pottery studio, including use of materials and free firings in any of the kilns.

Scope of Work

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Ironwork

  • Masonry

  • Woodworking

  • Mechanical and electrical work

  • Pipe fitting

  • Tree felling and wood processing

  • Kiln loading and firing

  • Mixing clay bodies and glazes

This work is both physically and mentally demanding. It requires sustained focus, attention to detail, and a willingness to engage deeply with the process. Linwood Pottery kilns are built to a very high standard. Learning to meet that standard will take patience, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

What We’re Looking For

  • A genuine passion for ceramics, especially the firing process

  • Strong work ethic and reliability

  • Comfort with physical labor and industrial working conditions

  • Willingness and ability to learn the use of power tools and heavy machinery
    A long-term interest in pursuing a career in ceramics and/or kiln building

Applicants must be prepared to learn and safely operate equipment such as:

  • 14” diamond wet saw

  • Horizontal band saw

  • Drill press

  • MIG and stick welders

  • Forklifts and skid loaders

How to Apply

If this sounds like a good fit, and you’d like to be considered, please fill out the application form at this link: 

https://form.jotform.com/260915171212044

Thank you for your interest!