Glaziers cut and fit new glass panes and other glazing materials on a range of commercial, industrial and domestic premises. Jobs range from fitting double glazing on a house to installing the windows in a new office development. Glaziers also work on the repair and maintenance of glazing, including windscreens.

Glaziers select the glass for each job, according to its purpose, for example plate glass for a shop front or toughened security glass in a bank. They use a number of tools, including suction pads to carry larger, heavier panes, and chisels and pliers to dislodge old glass, beading and putty from frames. 

They use diamond or wheel cutters to make small adjustments and for shaping, but normally have to measure and cut glass to size in a workshop beforehand. After fitting the glass, they make sure it is weathertight by using sealants, rubber strips or lead and aluminium flashing.

Glaziers may be involved in the fabrication of glazed units, such as timber- or UPVC-framed windows and doors. Some may work on specialist glazing often found in historical buildings like churches.

Glaziers working on a domestic household often work alone whereas on commercial projects, a team of glaziers fit and replace glass and glazing units. They often work alongside other tradespeople such as carpenters and joiners.

Hours and Environment

Glaziers work 39 hours a week, although out-of-hours work is common for emergency replacement of broken glass.

As a glazier, you work indoors and outdoors in all weathers. You work from ladders, scaffolding and suspended cradles for jobs at heights, and wear protective clothing, such as gloves and hard hats.

You travel from job to job, so a driving licence may be necessary. Some jobs involve working away from home for periods of time.

Skills and Interests

To be a glazier you need:

• the ability to follow drawings and plans
• good practical skills with a careful and methodical approach to work
• the ability to take accurate measurements for glass cutting
• good numeracy skills for calculating quantities
• 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.

Entry

You do not need any set entry requirements, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, then you may want to consider working as a glazier's assistant or labourer to gain site experience. Once working, the employer may be willing to offer you glazing installation training (see Training section below).

You can take college courses, such as Construction Awards, which can teach you some of the skills needed for the job but employers may still want to see some experience. Check with your local colleges for details.

You may be able to start as an apprentice with a glazing or building firm. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To be eligible, you may need some GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications like the Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction.

ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications in Further Information; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

Once you are working, you receive on-the-job training, with day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ/SVQ qualifications. You can work towards NVQ/SVQ in Glazing Installation and Maintenance at levels 2 and 3.

As well as covering common areas of work, the NVQ/SVQ has optional units that include:

• shaping glass for installations
• applying treatments
• securing premises in the event of emergencies
• repair of glass and glazing installations
• specialised architectural glazing
• supervisory responsibilities.

There are also NVQs/SVQs in Fenestration Installation and Surveying at levels 2 and 3, and Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications at levels 2 and 3. These are geared towards the fitting of glass and glazing units. See the profile for Window Fitter.

The Certificate in Glass Related Operations at Level 3 contains optional units covering all the NVQs listed above, as well as automotive glazing, glass processing and glass manufacture. You may be able to do this even if you are not working in the industry, depending on local colleges' entry requirements.

Glass Training Ltd and the Glass Qualifications Authority have details about qualifications and training centres offering assessment for glazing and installation NVQs/SVQs. See their websites in Further Information.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
By 2010, if you are working in the construction sector, you must hold a CSCS card or be registered with an affiliated scheme. Many construction firms and their clients already insist that workers hold a relevant CSCS card to work on site. To receive a card, you must hold an NVQ/SVQ or acceptable equivalent and pass a health and safety assessment.

Your card is graded according to your qualifications and experience. If you have experience without formal qualifications, you can use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) scheme to achieve a qualification. See ConstructionSkills, CSCS and SkillsDirect in Further Information for more details.

Opportunities

Glaziers work for firms that sell, cut and install glass for construction companies, local authorities, public organisations and shopfitting companies. Some glazing firms may specialise in conservatory construction, glass roofing or emergency repairs for shops and offices.

You can progress to technician or supervisory level, overseeing a team of glaziers, or move into specialist work. Other options include self-employment and working on a sub-contract basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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 will supplement income, while self-employed glaziers negotiate their own rates.

Further information

Tel: 0870 8505262 Tel: 0870 417 8777 Suite 28
The Quadrant
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WG
Tel: 0114 227 0070 Provincial House
Solly Street
Sheffield
S1 4BA
Tel: 0114 272 0033 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577