Glaziers

Nature of work

Glaziers prepare, install and replace glass. They work for construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops and glass fabrication shops, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Glaziers:

• Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to determine type and thickness of glass, frame, installation procedure and materials required.
• Measure and mark glass and cut-glass using glass cutters or computerized cutter.
• Tint glass and create patterns on glass by etching, sandblasting, or painting designs.
• Assemble, build, and dismantle scaffolds, rigging and hoisting equipment.
• Position glass panes into frames and secure glass using clips, points, or mouldings.
• Assemble and install prefabricated glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, or exteriors of building.
• Build metal frames for glass installation.
• Install, fit, build, and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings.
• Install pre-cut mirrors and opaque and transparent glass panels in frames to form exterior walls of buildings.
• Replace glass in furniture and other products.
• Prepare and install skylights, showcases and aquariums and stained or other special glass in churches, museums, sports, and other organizations.
• Repair and service residential windows, commercial aluminum doors and other glass supporting structures, and replace damaged glass or faulty sealant.
• May prepare cost estimates for customers or clients.

Sample job titles

• apprentice glazier
• glass and metal mechanic
• glass installer-glazier
• glass worker
• glazier
• glazier and metal mechanic
• structural glass installer

Skills

• good reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
• mathematical ability
• physical strength and stamina to work with heavy glass materials
• good eyesight to measure, cut and detect flaws in glass and other materials
• manual dexterity
• agility and coordination
• ability to read blueprints and drafting specifications
• ability to work alone and in a team
• analytical and troubleshooting skills
• comfort with heights

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for glaziers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for glaziers.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting: some work outdoors on construction sites while others work indoors, in shops. When working on commercial projects, glaziers are expected to work from man-lift mobile equipment, scaffolds and swing stages, sometimes at great heights, to manoeuvre glass panels that are lifted by cranes and other lifting equipment.
• Risks: injuries from lifting heavy materials, repetitive actions, sharp edges and broken glass.
• Glaziers do a considerable amount of bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing during the installation process.
• Glaziers generally work a 40-hour week.
• Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
• Besides working with glass, glaziers also work with plastics, granite, and other similar materials used as glass substitutes, as well as films or laminates that improve the durability or safety of the glass.
• Most glaziers work on construction or renovation projects. Others may work in specialized fields, such as replacing windows and windshields in vehicles, or installing skylights and other special glassworks in churches, museums and other institutions.
• Experienced glaziers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. Glaziers may advance to supervisory positions such as foremen or contract managers or set up their own shops.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

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