What Does a Glazier Do?

Glaziers work with glass in buildings, including windows, doors, displays, storefronts, skylights and more. They fabricate, install, repair and replace these fixtures as they complete a wide variety of tasks on construction sites. They also collaborate with architects and contractors on building projects, both new construction and renovations. Glaziers typically enter the profession after completing a trade program and receive on-the-job training to develop their skills. This career is a good fit for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are willing to put in the hard work to build a strong skill set in the field.

Many glaziers, especially those in the union sector, provide formal apprenticeship programs to help individuals learn the skills needed for this trade. These programs typically last four years, and include 144 hours of technical education per year and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices are taught how to use tools, basic math and construction procedures. Those who excel at this trade can eventually be promoted to journeymen.

Glaziers are a type of trade professional known for their camaraderie and willingness to help other members of the construction industry. They are on their feet and lifting heavy pieces of glass most of the day, and must be physically strong to do their jobs. They also often work on glass fixtures that are several stories in the air, and must be comfortable using scaffolding to complete their work. These factors can lead to injuries on the job, so glaziers are encouraged to wear safety equipment.

The median annual salary for a Glazier is $48,720. The occupation is a highly specialized one, and most workers who are employed in this field work full time. Glaziers who have extensive experience may be able to advance to more managerial positions within their companies, and can sometimes become project managers or supervisors.

Despite the fact that demand for this skilled tradesman is high, finding enough qualified individuals to fill these roles continues to be a challenge. Many companies report that they are shelved or progressing very slowly on a number of projects due to labor shortages. This has led to a focus on improving logistics and production capabilities. Trucks became a top capital acquisition for companies this year, as glaziers seek to make their production processes more efficient and reduce the amount of time they spend transporting products.

Slightly fewer glaziers reported doing more curtain wall fabrication in-house this year, but this trend is likely to increase over the coming years as firms invest in improved production equipment. Increasing in-house fabrication can help improve efficiency and quality of the finished product, as well as lower costs. This, in turn, can help improve margins for companies in the industry. It also allows glaziers to better control their supply chain, which can help manage pricing pressures as interest rates remain low and commodity prices continue to decline. A growing number of companies are also focusing on improving their pre-fabrication capabilities, though storage space and staffing challenges still remain barriers to success.

source https://murphyglassandmirror.wordpress.com/2024/04/04/what-does-a-glazier-do-4/