ARCHITECTURAL GLASS & METAL TECHNICIAN
WHAT IS A GLAZIER?
- A Glazier lays out, measures, prepares, fabricates, and installs/replaces architectural glass and metal components and air/vapour barriers in systems such as entranceways, windows, skylights, store fronts, wall facings, partitions, and curtain walls
- Cutting, fitting and installing glass in frames by means of seals, sealants and fasteners
- Installing window and door operators and related hardware
- Works with and install plastics, granite, aluminum panels and other similar materials used as glass substitutes, as well as films or laminates that improve the durability or safety of glass
- Works from mobile equipment, scaffolds and swing stages, sometimes at great heights, to manoeuvre glass panels that are lifted by cranes and other lifting equipment
- Reading and interpreting designs, drawings, diagrams, specifications and manufacturers’ literature
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- You must have good reading, writing, numeracy, and communication skills
- Must be comfortable working at considerable heights
- Must be comfortable working in various climatic conditions
- You have the stamina to be on your feet for long periods of time
- You are safety conscious
- You are in good physical condition
- Review the Essential Skills Profile for additional qualities required
GLAZIER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Architectural Glass & Metal Technicians work for construction glass installation contractors, retail service and repair shops, and glass fabrication shops
- Many construction glass contractors employ union tradespersons
- Some Architectural Glass & Metal Technicians have their own business
- Architectural Glass & Metal Technician is a Red Seal Trade
EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- The minimum entry for apprenticeship is Grade 10
- Completion of an 8,000 hour glazier apprenticeship program is required
- Architectural Glass & Metal Technician is a voluntary trade
POTENTIAL EARNINGS
- Glazier apprentices progress initially from 50% to 95% of journeyperson’s wages over time
- Journeyperson wages range from $18.00 to $42.00 an hour, plus overtime
- Glazier apprentices in this trade may apply for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant during the first two years of their apprenticeship
GLAZIER PRE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Glazier Pre-Apprenticeship program is delivered to selected participants who will be trained to enter the construction industry in the trade of Architectural Glass and Metal Technician 424A (glazier). FTI has designed the program to meet or exceed all MLTSD requirements as outlined in the Pre-Apprenticeship Guidelines. Participants of the program complete hands-on and classroom training, gain safety certifications required to work in the trade, and are provided tools and protective equipment. The final 8 weeks of the program are a paid job placement, where Pre-apprentices apply what they have learned and establish a relationship with an employer. At the end of the paid placement, some participants can be offered employment based on their level of success in the program and the needs of the industry at the time.
- Pre-apprentices are provided the required tools free of charge
- Participants build relationships with employers during field trips and job placements
- Participants will earn several certifications including their first of three apprenticeship levels (Basic level)
- Level 1 Basic Apprenticeship
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
- Working at Heights
- Power Elevated Work Platforms
- Suspended Access
- Hoisting and Rigging
- First Aid/CPR
- Forklift
- Perform physical tasks, such as carrying and lifting materials, etc
- Participate in the entire program and show a commitment to their chosen trade
- Arrive at the job site on time, consistently
- Be teachable, willing learners
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Grade 10 education or equivalency as recognized in Ontario, or the assessed capacity to achieve this level by the completion of the pre-apprenticeship program;
- Have the capacity to understand and perform the trade mathematics, trade English language, and other trade related technical academic skills;
- Possess appropriate hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity;
- Be physically fit to work in construction;
- A strong commitment to complete the program;
- Have the financial means, funding, or support (either personally or through one of the various funding/support programs) to complete the entire program;
- Successfully complete the application process including an in-person suitability interview.
3 Weeks: Trade Academic Math and English. Calculations, metric Conversion, area, scale conversion, grammar, trade terminology.
Introduction. Preparation theory and practical for Level 1 Basic, to compensate for lack of on-the-job experience, plus an introduction to second trade.
2 Weeks: Trade Skills – Safety Training. Occupational Health & Safety Act, Working at Heights, Power Elevated Work Platforms, Swing Stage, Hoisting and Rigging etc
8 Weeks: Level 1 Basic Apprenticeship Training.
8 Weeks: Paid work placement.
Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario
130 C Toro Road
Toronto ON M3J 2A9
Phone: 416-635-7300
-or-
199 Colonnade Rd. S.
Ottawa ON K2E 7K3
Phone: 1-800-943-6210
Glazier Apprenticeship FAQ
Becoming a glazier means you’ll first need to be a glazier apprentice. The minimum entry for apprenticeship is grade 10. Apprenticeship includes hands-on and classroom training, with the opportunity for a paid job placement. Upon completing their apprenticeship, some glazier apprentices may be offered employment depending on their performance during the program and the current demands of the industry.
Being a glazier involves installing, repairing, and maintaining glass in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The job can be physically demanding, requiring the handling of heavy glass, and working on ladders or scaffolding. Precision, attention to detail, and good problem-solving skills are essential. Glaziers work with a range of glass types and often enjoy the immediate satisfaction of seeing their work.
To be a glazier, you’ll need strong communication skills, great hand-eye coordination, physical strength, ability to work independently and with a team, knowledge of basic math, and being comfortable working at heights.
Glaziers and glazier apprentices work on a variety of different types of projects including installing windows and doors for residential units, installing storefronts and glass facades in commercial buildings, and repairing specialized glass for industrial structures.
As a glazier or glazier apprentice, the job outlook is positive, with a steady demand for new construction, renovations, and repairs. Workers will also be needed to replace the glaziers who retire each year.
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