What is a Glazier?
Glaziers cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications.
- Find a Trade
- Find an Employer
- Apply to Become an Apprentice
- Find Support for Your Apprenticeship
In general, glaziers:
- Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine the materials required, location of framing and procedures for installation
- Measure openings for size and shape, mark and cut glass panes to fit, secure the panes in place, weatherproof joints, and assemble and install aluminum window parts
- Install, fit, fabricate and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings
- Assemble parts of pre-fabricated glass units such as revolving doors, display cases, plate glass, shower doors, store fronts, automatic doors, sky lights, sloped glazing, curtain walls, barrel vaults, solariums and other support structures
- Install and maintain pre-fabricated 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
Skills & Abilities
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy variety, developing special skills and seeing the results of their work.
To be successful in their trade, glaziers need:
- The skills to read, write and communicate verbally
- Some mathematical ability
- The physical strength and stamina required to work with heavy glass materials
- The ability to work at heights
- The ability to lift in excess of 25 kilograms
- Good eyesight to measure, cut and see flaws in glass
- Manual dexterity
- The ability to work alone or with a team
Computer skills are an asset.
Apprenticeship Training
The term of apprenticeship for a glazier is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of technical training each year.
An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Glazier trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer’s recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.
A person who has previous training or work experience in the trade and wants to determine their level of skill and knowledge for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment.
Next Steps
To find answers to your questions and learn more about a career as a Glazier, contact the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 177.
For a quick summary of a career as a glazier, ask about the glazier trade card.
Contact Information
T: 1-800-661-6786 (in AB only)
P: 780-484-8645
F: 780-486-7309
P: 403-245-2766
F: 403-245-2722
F: 780-486-7309