Glazier
What is the work like?
Glaziers cut and fit new glass panes in commercial, industrial and domestic buildings. Jobs can range from fitting double glazing on a house to installing windows in a new office development. Glaziers also carry out glass repairs.
On a typical glass replacement job, you would:
- select the glass according to its purpose, for example plate glass to go in a shop front or toughened security glass for a bank
- remove the old or broken panes, using tools like suction pads (for larger pieces), chisels and pliers
- clean out the beading or putty from frames
- fit the new glass
- make the fitting watertight using sealants, rubber strips or lead and aluminium flashing.
You would normally use made-to-measure glass panes, which have been cut to size in a workshop beforehand, although you may need to make some small adjustments and shape pieces on site, with diamond- or wheel-cutting tools.
As well as fitting glass, you could work in the manufacture of glazed units, such as timber- or UPVC-framed windows and doors. With experience, you may be able to use specialist glazing skills, for instance on churches or other historical buildings.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications for this job, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, you could work as a glazier's assistant (mate) or labourer to gain site experience. Once you are working, your employer may be willing to offer you glazing installation training.
A college course, such as a Construction Award would teach you some of the skills needed for the job, but employers may still want to see some site experience. Check with your local colleges for course details.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a glazing or building firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To be eligible for an Apprenticeship, you may need some GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications like the Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications. The construction industry is also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You can do on-the-job training, leading to qualifications, including the NVQ in Glazing at levels 2 and 3. This covers shaping and cutting glass, installation, and health and safety. It also has optional units that include:
- fitting glass stairs and floors
- security glazing
- shop fronts
- overhead installations, for example glass roofing.
If you work in the assembly of pre-fabricated glazed units, you can take the NVQ in Fenestration Installation and Surveying at levels 2 and 3, or Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications at levels 2 and 3. For more details about these, see the Window Fitter job profile.
Glass Training Ltd and the Glass Qualifications Authority have details about qualifications and training centres that offer assessment for glazing and installation NVQs.
You could also take the Foundation Degree in Glass Manufacturing Management, which is run by Wakefield College in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University. This qualification would help you to move into supervisory or management positions within the industry.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Suite 28The Quadrant
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WG
Tel: 0114 227 0070
Solly Street
Sheffield
S1 4BA
Tel: 0114 272 0033
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New glaziers start between £12,000 and £14,500 a year.
- With qualifications, glaziers can expect to earn up to £20,000.
- Experienced glaziers with additional responsibilities may earn between £20,000 and £23,000.
Overtime and shift allowances may increase income, while self-employed glaziers negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, which could include out-of-hours duties for emergency replacement of broken glass.
Some jobs would involve working at heights from ladders, scaffolding or suspended cradles. Health and safety is important and you would wear protective clothing, like gloves and a hard hat.
You would travel from job to job, and some contracts may involve working away from home for periods at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to follow drawings and plans
- good practical skills
- a careful and methodical approach to work
- the ability to take accurate measurements for glass cutting
- good numeracy skills for calculating areas
- an awareness of safety issues, particularly when working at heights
- a reasonable level of fitness
- the ability to work as part of a team and alone
- a polite and professional manner for dealing with customers
- a creative approach to colour and shape for some specialist jobs.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a glazier with firms that sell, cut and install glass for construction companies, and with local authorities, public organisations and shopfitting companies. You could also work for glazing firms that specialise in conservatory construction, glass roofing or emergency repairs for shops and offices.
Once you have some experience, you could progress to technician or supervisor level, overseeing a team of glaziers, or move into specialist work. You may also have the option to become self-employed, working on a sub-contract basis.
You could also work in the automotive industry, repairing and replacing windscreens on vehicles. See Motor Vehicle Body Repairer for more details.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Glass and Glazing Federation (glazing company finder)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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