Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

The Work

Window fitters install window frames and windows including double-glasing. They work with different materials including glass, wood, plastic and aluminium. Windows are generally standard sise but occasionally can be made to measure.  
 
If working on existing buildings, they first carefully remove the old glass and possibly the window frames using hand and power tools.

They then put in place the new windows and adjust the frames to fit exactly, using hand tools such as planes and saws. Finally, they fix them into place and make any repairs that need to be done to the plasterwork around the window frame. Experienced fitters may repair and replace windows in historical buildings.  
 
Some window fitters specialise in fitting conservatories or doors with glass panels.

They may work alone, with one other person or in small teams. Window fitters are also often required to fit weather boarding.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Fabricate or install metal sashes or moldings for glass installation, using aluminum or steel framing.
• Determine plumb of walls or ceilings, using plumb lines and levels.
• Fasten glass panes into wood sashes or frames with clips, points, or moldings, adding weather seals or putty around pane edges to seal joints.
• Prepare glass for cutting by resting it on rack edges or against cutting tables and brushing thin layer of oil along cutting lines or dipping cutting tools in oil.
• Cut, fit, install, repair, or replace glass or glass substitutes, such as plastic or aluminum, in building interiors or exteriors or in furniture or other products.
• Grind or polish glass, smoothing edges when necessary.
• Measure and mark outlines or patterns on glass to indicate cutting lines.
• Set glass doors into frames and bolt metal hinges, handles, locks, or other hardware to attach doors to frames and walls.
• Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors to be fitted with glass panels, using hand tools.
• Read and interpret blueprints or specifications to determine sise, shape, color, type, or thickness of glass, location of framing, installation procedures, or staging or scaffolding materials required.

Further Information

• Window Fitter / Glazier - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

You can train either on-the-job with an employer or do Solas FET centre based work based training. You can also move into window fitting work after first qualifying as a carpenter and joiner. in trades  
 
Key Skill certs 

Manual handling on application 

Safepass 

Working at height certs

Retro fitting & passive house ecology systems skills & training / Greener homes skills

Driver CPC competency Drivers license B & C

These key skill certs may be avilable via FET training centres at low or no cost Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Construction skills at NFQ level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeships There are up to 9 skills development pathways available at NFQ levels 5-6 search apprenticeships

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €44k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor/ WRC-CIF

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in 2022 returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after declining for the previous two years. The Census data shows that employment is spread across a number of roles, all of which increased between 2016 and 2022.

The share aged 55 years and older fell between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022 from 38% to 23%; although still above the national average of 19%, job opportunities through replacement demand have likely lessened. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing steel fixers/erectors, curtain wallers, and fitters/glaziers with Skills for Growth data suggesting issues with recruiting roofers for the construction sector. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to foremen, fitters/glaziers and tilers.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were mainly for glaziers, tilers, roofers/solar panel installers. Roofing awards from QQI totalled 54 in 2022, up slightly compared to 2020 and 2021 but still below their pre-pandemic level of 84. The DFHERIS report notes that it is becoming increasingly common for roofs to be constructed offsite which is likely to have knock-on effects for demand for these skills but a significant increase in retrofitting activities would likely see increased demand for roofers and glaziers. Although future shortages may emerge, albeit in small numbers, none are evident at present. 

• Construction Industry Federation

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  • (01) 406 6000
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