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- Trade Secrets
Discover an exciting career in Alberta’s booming Glass & Metal Industry.
Alberta needs more Glaziers!
- Hundreds of job openings
- Great wages
- Residential, commercial and industrial
- Self-employment opportunities
Whenever you see a shimmering glass-sheathed highrise, a housing project or a storefront window, chances are you are seeing the work of a glazier.
What do these workers do?
Glass is widely used in modern architecture and glaziers are called on to do a lot of different tasks:
- Cut and bevelglass plate. This requires special tools and a knowledge of how glass breaks in different circumstances.
- Read and interpret blueprints. Glaziers read blueprints to find out which types and sizes of glass are needed, draw up a materials list and create a workplan for the installation.
- Make support framing. On some jobs, the glazier makes the metal framework that supports plate glass and installs railings and other structural details that support glass.
- Build and dismantle scaffolding. Glaziers often work high above the ground on scaffolding. Glaziers often set up and take down their own scaffolding, which requires attention to safety regulations.
- Etch and tint glass. Glaziers apply special effects to glass, such as tint coatings or etched patterns, for decoration or privacy.
- Prefabricate and fit glass panels and windows. Sometimes glaziers work in factories where they make framed windows that are ready for installation on the construction site. Glaziers may also work alongside cabinetmakers, fitting glass into furniture.
- Install mirrors and showcases. Glaziers install large mirrors and custom showcases, using special techniques to minimize breakage.
- Prepare cost estimates and sales. Glaziers who work as independent contractors have to prepare cost estimates and explain their services to potential customers.
- Use a computer layout program. Efficient use of material and precision fits in the finished project can be achieved by using computer layouts.
Glazing is a time-honoured trade dating back thousands of years. Today, glaziers have never been more in demand. Here in Alberta, with residential and commercial construction booming, there is an urgent need to hire hundreds of people to work in glazing-related jobs.
Did you know?
- Residential construction is expected to continue a healthy growth, resulting in an increased demand for manufacturing and installation of windows, skylights and doors.
- Dozens more glass-shealthed buildings are on the drawing board for Alberta.
Clear Opportunities
Glazing companies in Alberta and across North America need to recruit qualified people as fast as possible to overcome a serious skills shorage. A recent survey of Alberta glazing companies shows hundreds of new openings will be created in the industry over the next decade. Almost a quarter of the existing glaziers will retire in the next five years plus new jobs will be created to meet the economic demand.
Clear Demand
- Construction has provided a large number of Alberta’s new jobs in recent years and is expected to keep growing.
- The shortage of glaziers in Alberta – NOW AND IN THE NEXT 5 TO 10 YEARS – has been identified by the glass trades associations of Alberta and other industry representatives.
Get into Glazing: Become a Glazier!
Eager to work in glazing? Find a job with an employer who is willing to participate in the apprenticeship program. Both you and the employer must register in the program.
For more information on the glazing trade and apprenticeship training, visit Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or phone your local Apprenticeship and Industry Training office by calling 310-0000 (toll-free if long distance) and ask to be connected.