what is a glazier?
A glazier is a skilled craftsman who works with glass and plastic substitutes for buildings. Glaziers work at height, climb ladders and scaffolding and handle delicate materials. The position requires a good sense of balance, physical strength, mechanical aptitude and solid maths skills.
As a glazier, you cut glass according to the dimensions of windows or doors and install them. You secure glass and plastic substitutes into windows, doors, shopfronts and skylights. After installing, you use mouldings and sashes and secure them using fasteners.
Glaziers work on all types of buildings, from residential to commercial skyscrapers, depending on the area. At entry level, you start with small projects to build up experience in the field. Higher-level glaziers interpret architectural and construction blueprints and can visualise construction installations.
Almost all construction sites require glaziers, as most building designs include windows and other glass components. Glazier job openings are likely to grow over the next decade, so you'll have plenty of opportunities if you are willing to learn and work hard. There is always some growth in the construction industry.
Would working as a glazier suit your hand-eye coordination and physical stamina? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a glazier role.
glazier jobsaverage glazier salary
According to National Careers, the mean salary of an apprentice glazier is £14,000 per year. Once you are qualified and more experienced, your earnings are likely to increase to £27,000 annually. Glaziers can also earn more by improving their skills. That's why senior glaziers earn between £35,000 and £50,000 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a glazier?
The compensation package of a glazier depends on the complexity of the job. For instance, large projects attract higher earnings due to the complexity of glass installation on skyscrapers or skylights. Small projects like residential houses have lower salaries due to the minimal risks, lower budgets and limited resources. Sometimes, the hours you work also influence your remuneration. If you work full-time, you attract higher compensation than glaziers working part-time.
Your location also influences your earnings. For instance, if you work in large cities or towns, you are likely to earn more due to the size and complexity of projects. Cities have skyscrapers and large buildings that require glass installation. You are likely to install glass in shops and other commercial buildings.
types of glaziers
Glaziers are classified based on their level of expertise. The types of glaziers include:
- apprentice glaziers: as an apprentice glazier, you work under supervision while you learn the ropes. The glazier could give you roles like cutting or measuring glass based on the dimensions provided, but you will not perform complex roles.
- journeyman glaziers: when you complete your apprenticeship training, you become a journeyman glazier. You install and repair glass on various items. You don't perform complex roles like fitting glass and glass products on windows, doors and ceilings.
- master glaziers: as a master glazier, you supervise the work of junior glaziers and assign duties based on their skill levels. You also work on complex installation projects.
working as a glazier
As a glazier, your duties and responsibilities include fabricating and installing glass components in buildings. As with most professions, you gain experience by working in challenging jobs. Here are the duties to expect in the role:
-
glazier job description
Some of the responsibilities and tasks of glaziers include:
- understanding customer requirements: as a glazier, you need to understand customer requirements, so you should consult with the customers to find out what they want. Glass and glass substitutes come in many different types, so it's important to help your customer make an informed choice based on what is suitable for the job.
- removing glasses: as a glazier, you often handle repairs and maintenance tasks. You are responsible for removing and cutting existing glass before replacing the new glass. Removing old glass is risky since the sharp ends can cause injuries.
- selecting materials: as a glazier, you are responsible for picking the materials used on windows, walls or doors. You choose the glass types, thickness and fastening materials for holding the glass in place.
- installing glass: glaziers measure glass dimensions to fit windows or doors and use precision cutting tools to cut them. As a glazier, you place the glass and glass materials and use fasteners to hold them in place. Some fixtures may require moulders to fit the glass in place. Apart from installing glass, you also fit metal and other frames onto windows to support the glass or other materials.
- reading and interpreting blueprints: as a glazier, you read and interpret blueprints. The technical specifications help you determine the appropriate shape, size and colour of glass or glass substitutes to install.
-
work environment
The work environment is generally outside, but not always. Sometimes, you install a glass wall inside of a building. However, you are likely to work in a fabrication depot with the equipment you need for preparing the glass components. Depending on where you work, a career in a workshop fabricating glass pieces for construction and other projects is possible. Since glass installation is hands-on, it is impossible to work remotely.
-
who are your colleagues?
As a glazier, your colleagues might include window fitters, glassmakers and window fabricators. You may also work alongside wall and floor tilers, steel fixers, and steel erectors, as well as other specialists that could include facilities managers, retail managers and project managers.
-
work schedule
A glazier generally works full time, which is a 43 to 45-hour workweek. However, overtime is usually available if a project's deadline is approaching or the client offers a completion bonus. You work at weekends occasionally to catch up with deadlines. Part-time and short-term contracts are available when you are working on small projects. The role also involves travelling from one construction project to another. In the future, when you have extensive experience, consider going self-employed. This allows you to take as little or as much work as possible and control your schedule.
-
job outlook
As a glazier, you are likely to get a job in the construction industry. That means you can explore a career progression path in the industry. For instance, experienced glaziers become supervisors or estimators. With glass being a favourite material for architects and contemporary builders, glaziers are in high demand. However, you require specialised skills to install glass as wall panelling in skyscrapers.
-
advantages of finding a glazier job through randstad
Finding your glazier job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a glazier is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes to becoming a glazier include:
- apprenticeship: you should pursue an apprenticeship to become a glazier. For instance, you can complete an intermediate apprenticeship in fenestration installation. The apprenticeship programme requires GCSEs, and it involves on-the-job training and coursework.
- work experience: when you complete an apprenticeship programme, you become a journeyman and work under supervision. You gain experience by assisting the glazier in their work. When you have adequate experience, you can apply for entry-level glazier jobs.
glazier skills and competencies
Some of the skills of a glazier include:
- stamina and balance: your role is physically demanding and requires a high level of stamina. You should be comfortable with standing for long hours or moving heavy pieces of glass or metal frames. Since you work on ladders and scaffolds, having good balance reduces falls and injuries.
- hand-eye coordination: as a glazier, you require manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to minimise injuries and accidents. Hand-eye coordination is useful when you are cutting glass and metal framework.
- critical thinking skills: as a glazier, you require critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve issues that arise during the installation process. You also rely on creativity to lay out the glass material, so the job is successful on an aesthetic level.
- dependability: as a glazier, you should be dependable to respond to emergencies. Sometimes, you are required to replace glass urgently for security reasons.
FAQs
Here are the most asked questions about working as glaziers.
-
do glaziers make good money?
Yes, glaziers have the potential to make very good money depending on their level of experience and location. In some cities, glaziers make an annual salary upwards of £50,000 per year. Because of the difficulty and skill required, salaries tend to be somewhat higher.
-
is glazier a good job?
Yes, glaziers are generally happy in their careers. If you have a passion for skilled trade and are willing to put the time and effort into gaining the experience needed, you will have a rewarding career as a glazier. You also enjoy exciting career growth opportunities like becoming a supervisor, as well as self-employment options.
-
how do I become a glazier?
Look up the requirements for your region to find out if you require a licence to become a glazier. You may require a White Card to work on construction sites in the UK. In such cases, consider looking for a glazier training programme or a local apprenticeship. You should also develop cutting and installation skills through intermediate apprenticeship programmes. When you complete training, look for entry-level positions.
-
are glaziers in demand?
The construction industry is projected to grow steadily. Since most buildings contain windows or some glass component, glaziers are in demand. Many architects and commercial building designers use glass materials when designing skyscrapers. Glaziers are required to install wall-to-ceiling windows in modern buildings.
-
is a glazier role hard?
The job itself is physically demanding because glaziers often do the heavy lifting. However, there have been technological advances that help with heavy or cumbersome loads. The role also requires balance to work on scaffoldings and ladders without accidents or injuries. As a glazier, you need basic maths skills and the ability to interpret construction blueprints.
-
how do I apply for a glazier vacancy?
Applying for a glazier job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our glazier job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
