Glazier
Glass installer
Glaziers install and repair glass in houses, hotels, offices and shops.
Salary Range: £12,000 to £27,000
How to become a glazier
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in glazing or fenestration installation.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a glazier’s assistant and train on the job.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set entry requirements, though you’ll need maths skills to measure and work out dimensions. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
Experience in carpentry and joinery will also be helpful.
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming a glazier from Go Construct.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- choosing glass for the job
- removing broken panes, beading and putty
- working out how much glass is needed for each job
- fitting new glass and making sure the sealing is watertight
- shaping glass using diamond or wheel-cutting tools
- making decorative glass panels or double glazing units
Working environment
You could work at a client’s home or at a client’s business.
Your working environment may be at height.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work on specialist projects, like restoration work on churches or listed buildings.
Other options include moving into site management, estimating or glass product design.
You could also work in the automotive industry, repairing and replacing windscreens on vehicles.