Are you a good communicator? Do you have good eyesight and math skills? Are you in good shape? Do you work well with your hands? Can you work alone? On a team? Then, Glazier may be the occupation for you!
What do I do?
Glaziers work outdoors at construction sites or inside factories installing and replacing glass, aluminum and related products in buildings, vehicles, furniture and other products. Glaziers also install all types of architectural aluminum windows, door frames and hardware.
How do I advance?
The future looks good for Glaziers. You can work for construction companies, architectural glass firms, interior design firms, retail glass shops and contract glass shops.
Experienced Glaziers can advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager. Glaziers can also start their own contracting business.
With additional training, Glaziers may transfer skills to other occupations.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Glaziers earn at least 55% of the journeyman wage rate in the first year of apprenticeship, 60% in the second, 65% in the third, and 70% in the fourth year. The journeyman wage rate varies depending on location in the province and if the Glazier is working under the terms of a collective agreement. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $17.75 an hour to as high as $19 an hour, base wage (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage surveys by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Where do I go from here?
If you become a skilled Glazier, youÕll have the ability to get work that pays well. You can also upgrade your skills to become eligible for higher level positions.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Building Construction CON1070 or Commercial Structures CON3100. See your school counsellor for more information.
Glaziers generally acquire their skills through apprenticeship training.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Glazier apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, applicants must have Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees. Computer skills are an asset.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four periods (four years with a minimum of 1620 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires six weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and is currently being offered at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. Students living outside Calgary are responsible for their own room and board costs. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office or SAIT.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
