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Glazier Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work indoors and outdoors icon that represents where Glazier work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Glazier. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Glazier click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Interior and Exterior Construction

Glazier

work indoors and outdoors

Glaziers cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications.

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  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; English; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Glaziers are employed by construction companies, architects, interior design firms, and glazier shops. Glazier/auto glass technicians are employed by shops that replace glass in vehicles or furniture.

  • DutiesDetails

    In Alberta, journeypersons in the glazier trade may be certified as glaziers or glazier - auto glass technicians.

    Glaziers:

    • Read drawings to figure out which materials to use.
    • Use drawings to figure out where materials should be installed.
    • Measure openings for size and shape of materials.
    • Mark and cut glass panes to fit, and install them.
    • Weatherproof joints, and install aluminum window parts.
    • Install, fit, make and attach metals or other products in businesses and homes.
    • Put together revolving doors, display cases, plate glass, shower doors, store fronts, automatic doors, skylights, sloped glazing, curtain walls, barrel vaults, solariums and other support structures.
    • Install and maintain pre-made glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, fronts of buildings, handrails and walkways.
    • Replace safety glass, windows, windshields, and glass in furniture and other products.

    Glazier - Auto Glass Technicians:

    • Work mainly on automotive and flat glass.
    • Replace safety glass, windows, windshields.
    • Replace glass in furniture and other products.
    • Glaze, set, attach, install and remove glass for vehicles and off-road equipment.
    • Cut, prepare and fabricate flat glass for buildings and fixtures.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Factories.
      • Installing glass in wooden or metal frames.
      • In auto glass shops.
      • In furniture shops.
      • Risk of injury working with sharp edges.
    • Outdoors
      • Construction sites.
      • On scaffolding.
      • On swing stages (on high rises like window washers).
      • Risk of injury working with sharp edges.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work overtime to meet deadlines.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Able to read, write and speak well.
    • Some math skills.
    • Able to work with heavy glass materials.
    • Able to work in high places.
    • Good eyesight to measure, cut, and see flaws in glass.
    • Work well with hands.
    • Able to work alone or with a team.
    • Enjoy variety, special skills, and seeing the results of work.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.
    • Your employer believes your skills and knowledge are the same as a journeyperson.
    • You are self-employed in this trade.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    Glaziers:

    • 4 years.
    • 1620 work hours.
    • 6 weeks classroom training.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.

    Auto glass Technician:

    • 2 years.
    • 1620 work hours.
    • 6 weeks classroom training.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

    Pre-employment programs for prospective apprentices and continuing education programs for journeypersons may be offered on an as needed basis by the institution(s) listed above or other schools.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

    Industries/Businesses employing people in this trade include:

    • Retailers.
    • Construction Contractors.
    • Repair.
    • Manufacturing.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates for glaziers vary but generally range from $25.68 to $27.14 an hour plus benefits (2009 figures). Apprentices earn at least 55 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60 per cent in the second, 65 per cent in the third and 70 per cent in the fourth.

    Journeyperson wage rates for glazier - auto glass technicians vary but generally range from $14 to $20 an hour plus benefits (2009 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 55 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 65 per cent in the second.

    According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Glaziers occupational group earned on average from $20.64 to $36.91 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $30.13 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails