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Glazier

Also known as -

Glass installer

A glazier is responsible for measuring, installing and repairing glass in houses, hotels, shops and offices. As a glazier, you’d need to choose appropriate glass for the job in hand, remove old and broken panes, and ensure glass is sealed to be watertight.

Average salary*

£17000

-

£50000

Typical hours per week

43-45

How to become a glazier

There are different routes to becoming a glazier. Whilst there are no formal requirements, you could do an apprenticeship, or apply to this role directly and receive on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction or specialist fenestration company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in glazing or fenestration installation to become a glazier.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction or specialist fenestration company to gain on-site experience as a glazier. You will likely start out as an assistant to a more experienced glazier and progress as your abilities improve and you gain more training.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a glazier. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a glazier include: 

  • Knowledge of building and construction
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Basic knowledge of maths
  • Ability to work well with your hands.

Qualifications

To become a Glazier, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 2 Glazier
  • Level 2 Glazier apprenticeship

To become a Glazier, you could complete a:

  • SVQ at SCQF Level 5 in Glazing
  • Modern Apprenticeship in Glazing at SCQF level 5

To become a Glazier, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 2 Glazing
  • Level 2 Glazing apprenticeship

What does a glazier do?

As a glazier you will be responsible for measuring, installing and repairing glass within structures. You could be installing window frames, skylights, display cases, showers and more.

The role of a glazier involves the following duties: 

  • Assessing risks
  • Choosing the appropriate glass
  • Building the framework for the glass
  • Removing old or broken glass and putty from frames
  • Measuring and fitting new glass
  • Sealing glass and making everything watertight
  • Using a crane with suction cups to lift glass into place
  • Working with plastic or laminates, and treatments that make glass safer or stronger.

How much could you earn as a glazier?

The expected salary for a glazier varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly trained glaziers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
  • Trained glaziers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £35,000
  • Senior glaziers can earn £35,000 - £50,000*
  • Self-employed glaziers set their own pay rate.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Jobs

Check out the latest glazier vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could get involved with specialist projects such as restoration work on churches or listed buildings.

Other options include moving into site management, estimating or glass product design.

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