Glazier Apprenticeship

Did you know?*

Many glaziers learn the trade by helping experienced workers.
Job opportunities are expected to be good.
Apprenticeship period is normally 3 to 4 years.

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Does a Glazier Do?

Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, replacing and removing all types of glass. Residential glazing work involves replacing glass in home windows; installing glass mirrors, shower doors and bathtub enclosures; and fitting glass for table tops and display cases. On commercial interior projects, glaziers install items such as heavy, often etched, decorative room dividers or security windows. Glaziers assemble and install metal-framed glass enclosures for showers. They install, cut and remove all window glass, plate and all other types of glass including structural glass, mirror glass, tempered and laminated glass, safety or protection glass, all types of insulating glass units, all plastics or other similar materials when used in place of glass when set or glazed with putty, molding rubber, cement, and all other types of mastic or materials used in place of same. Glazing projects also may involve replacement of storefront windows. Glaziers build metal framework from extrusions and install glass panels or curtain walls in large commercial buildings. They drill, tap, and attach metal hinges, handles, locks and other hardware to commercial aluminum doors.

Tasks:

Architectural Metal- Fabricate and install frames and framing for store front entrances, curtain wall, sky lights, metal fabrication, closers and operators; hardware application; entrance installation; sash and extrusion installation; facing materials.
Glazing- Cut, fabricate and install plate glass, insulating units, security glass using tape; putty; vinyl and neoprene; gasket.
Supporting tasks, including: mirrors, shower doors, tub enclosures; plastic; application of sealant; residential replacements.
Installation of: repair sash and screening, architectural, decorative panel, flashing and ornamental work art, curtain walls, and use of newer modular glazing systems.
Cut and remove broken glass prior to installing replacement glass.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

Glaziers often work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. At times, they work on scaffolds at great heights. They do a considerable amount of bending, kneeling, lifting and standing.

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How is the Training Structured?

4 year training program
6,240 hours on-the-job training
400 hours paid related instruction
Apprentices shall take and satisfactorily complete an approved standard first aid course and CPR course during the first 2,000 hours of work and have a current card in order to complete the apprenticeship.
The apprentice in his/her final year must complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course.

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What are the Application Requirements?

Applicants must be 17 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
Physically able to perform trade
Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

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What Skills Should I Possess?

Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction and awareness of safely handling of materials and methods.
Installation- Installing materials to meet glazing specifications.
Mathematics- Basic knowledge of arithmetic and its applications and able to apply math to the work setting.
Quality Control Analysis- Confirm that all installations meet specific needs and performs within specifications.
Technology Design- Ability to adapt equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Communication- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Transportation- Possess valid driver’s license and the ability to get to and from the work site and school.
Information Ordering- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Static/Dynamic Strength- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. The ability to lift up to 60 lbs on a regular basis and the ability to know when to ask for assistance. The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Coordination/Flexibility- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
Madison Area Glazing JAC	1571 Ivory Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Phone: (608) 834-1690 Fax: (608) 834-0044	Mary Pierce
Southeastern Glazing JAC	P.O. Box 189 Big Bend WI 53103 Phone: (262) 662-1827 Fax: (262) 662-2397	Barbara Robakowski

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Glazier trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos207.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook