Glazier
Fit glass in people's windows and doors, replace broken glass and install double glazing.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£442
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,917
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£23,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
500
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would fit glass in people’s windows and doors and replace broken glass panes.
You could fit double glazing at a house, install windows at a new office development or carry out glass repairs.
You’d need to be able to follow technical drawings and plans. Accurate measurements will be important for cutting the glass to size and you’d need to work carefully and precisely.
What you might do on a glass replacement job:
select the correct glass for the job, for example safety glass to go in a shop front or security glass for a bank
remove the old or broken panes, using tools like suction pads (for larger pieces), chisels and pliers
remove the beading or putty from frames
fit the new glass
make the fitting watertight using sealants, rubber strips, or lead and aluminium flashing
You would normally use made-to-measure glass panes that have been cut to size in a workshop beforehand. You may need to make some small adjustments to shape pieces on site using diamond- or wheel-cutting tools.
As well as fitting glass, you could be involved in the manufacture of glazed units, such as timber or UPVC-framed windows and doors.
With experience, you may be able to use your skills on specialist projects, for example on churches or restoring listed buildings.
Some jobs involve working at heights from ladders, scaffolding or suspended cradles.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Woodwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Glass Industry Occupations (SVQ level 3) and registration with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).
You don't always need any qualifications to get into a Modern Apprenticeship but but some employers will look for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Qualifications that show understanding of the industry and practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCFQ level 4/5).
Women and Work Sector Pathways initiative (W&WSPI)
Skills for Work Construction Crafts courses
National Progression Award (prevocational or pre-apprenticeship courses) at college
Employability Fund projects (like Youthbuild which support young people's journey to work)
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence is required for most jobs.
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