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Glazier

Cuts and installs glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications.

Who Am I?

Are you a good communicator? Do you have good eyesight and math skills? Are you in good shape? Do you work well with your hands? Can you work alone? On a team? Then, Glazier may be the occupation for you!

What do I do?

Glaziers work outdoors at construction sites or inside factories installing and replacing glass, aluminum and related products in buildings, vehicles, furniture and other products. Glaziers also install all types of architectural aluminum windows, door frames and hardware.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out the construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program in the trade of Glazier as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Glazier apprenticeship program fulltime, you must be at least 16 years old. You should be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing. Computer skills are an asset.

Length of Program

4 levels including four in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson.

The apprenticeship is four levels. Each level consists of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1800 hours per level.) Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $25.80 (Effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits).

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Where do I go from here?

If you become a certified Glazier, you'll have the ability to get work that pays well. You can work for construction companies, architectural glass firms, interior design firms, retail glass shops and contract glass shops.

How do I advance?

Experienced Glaziers can advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager.