Glazier

Introduction

Glaziers cut and fit glass in a range of buildings from houses to large office blocks. They measure the area that needs glazing, cut or trim the glass, and then fix the glass into place. They use a variety of tools to carry out their work.

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Work Activities

Glaziers cut and fit glass and other clear materials. They may specialise in window fixing, double glazing, glass cutting, roof glazing or all of these.

Glaziers work on a variety of buildings from houses and flats to office blocks, shop fronts and large buildings that have more window than wall. They often work at height from a ladder, suspended cradle or scaffolding.

Glaziers measure the area to be glazed very carefully before ordering the type and size of glass they need. Sometimes they do all the cutting themselves; sometimes the glass is delivered ready cut from the factory and may require only fixing or final trimming with a hand glass cutter before fixing. If they are replacing broken glass, glaziers must first remove the old pieces and chip off the old putty.

Fixing involves the use of different hand tools, such as glass cutters, hammers, chisels, drills, screwdrivers, putty knives and spirit levels. When fitting glass in large buildings, several glaziers may have to work together to put large, heavy panes of glass into place. They use either straps or a special lifting machine that has a suction pad to hold the glass while it is being moved.

When roof glazing, glaziers bolt aluminium strips to the roof beams then fit each pane of glass between the two strips. They also make sure the roof is waterproof.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a glazier you will need good practical skills and be able to give care and attention to detail. You must be able to take accurate measurements and, when working on buildings under construction, you must be able to interpret drawings.

You must be fit, able to carry heavy glass and able to work at height.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Glaziers earn in the range of £220 - £250 a week, rising to £310 - £350. Top earners can make around £390 a week.

Glaziers work a 39-hour week, though some need to be on-call outside of normal working hours. Overtime, including Saturday working, may also be available.

You may work for specialist glazing firms throughout the UK.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained, for example, as a building operative or woodworker, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

• 3% of glaziers work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.