Glazier
Glaziers fit and repair windows, doors and glass panels in homes and businesses.
Also known as: Window fitter, glass repairer, fenestration installer
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a glazier or window fitter, you could:
- talk to customers about job details and design plans
- remove old glass, beading and frames, using hand and power tools
- measure up, cut and shape new glass panes and glazed units
- move larger panels into place with suction cups or hoists
- fit new glazing into place and make sure sealants are watertight
- clean up work areas and dispose of waste safely
- issue job completion paperwork to customers
- respond to emergency call outs
You could fit windows, doors, rooflights and conservatories in homes, shops, restaurants and offices.
You would work with a variety of materials, such as UPVC, aluminium, timber and composites.
Working environment
You could work at a client's home, at a client's business or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with others
- physical fitness and endurance
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a glazier
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need to get a job as a trainee with a glazing or window fitting company.
Courses include:
- construction skills
- carpentry and joinery
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on a Fenestration Installation Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Work
You could start work as an assistant to a glazier or window fitter and train on the job, working alongside an experienced tradesperson.
Employers will look for someone with good practical skills and a willingness to learn.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills to make measurements and work out dimensions. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
Experience in carpentry, joinery or window manufacturing might also be helpful.
Restrictions and requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience and training, you could move into:
- site supervision
- surveying and estimating
- glazing project design
- glazing product sales and marketing
You might also specialise in heritage restoration and conservation of historical buildings.
You could set up your own business or take up a window fitting franchise.
Career tips
You may need to travel to other parts of the country for some jobs, especially on commercial and industrial contracts.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Guides for this industry
Related roles
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0