Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Glazier- from: Youtube Search
- Glazier- from: YouTube Video
- Stained Glass Artist- from: icould [UK] Video
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.
Working Life
Glasiers cut and fit glass and other clear materials. They may specialise in window fixing, double glasing, glass cutting, roof glasing or all of these. The glass often needs to be cut on the job.
Glasiers work on a variety of buildings from houses and flats to office blocks, shop fronts and large buildings that have more window than wall. They often work at height from a ladder, suspended cradle or scaffolding.
Glasiers measure the area to be glased very carefully before ordering the type and sise of glass they need. Sometimes they do the entire cutting themselves; sometimes the glass is delivered ready cut from the factory and may require only fixing or final trimming with a hand glass cutter before fitting. Some large outfits use computers to improve the layout and reduce wastage.
If they are replacing broken glass, glasiers must first remove the old pieces and chip off the old putty.
Fixing involves the use of different hand tools, such as glass cutters, hammers, chisels, drills, screwdrivers, putty knives and spirit levels.
When fitting glass in large buildings, several glasiers may have to work together to put large, heavy panes of glass into place. They use either straps or a special lifting machine that has a suction pad to hold the glass while it is being moved.
When roof glasing, glasiers bolt aluminium strips to the roof beams then fit each pane of glass between the two strips. They also make sure the roof is waterproof. Glasiers may also be required to work with plastic, granite, marble or other glass substitutes.
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
- Glazier- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Glazier
As a glazier you will need good practical skills and be able to give care and attention to detail. You must be able to take accurate measurements and, when working on buildings under construction, you must be able to interpret drawings.
You must be fit, able to carry heavy glass and able to work at height. You must be efficient and reliable as the completion of others work can depend on you.
Interests - Glazier
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.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Glazier
Training will be on-the-job with an experienced colleague. Short stained glass window panel courses covering glass cutting and fitting are available and may be useful.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: construction, interior systems.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: building, construction, sustainable construction technology, building.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Stone Cutter, Stone Mason, Bricklayer, Stonelayer, Plasterer, Painter, Decorator, Construction Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: contemporary, applied art, ceramics, glass, textiles, manufacturing engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: management, quality management, manufacturing.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Glazier
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €48k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salaryexpert/ WRC/ Indeed/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Glazier
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Steel erectors Roofers; roof tilers and slaters Glaziers; window fabricators and fitters Construction; building trades fitters n.e.c.; Floorers and wall tilers; Construction and building trades supervisors.
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.
Useful Contacts - Glazier
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Construction Industry Federation
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Ballyfermot Training Centre
