Glaziers Job Description: Tasks, Required Skills, Education, Career Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Glaziers are persons who are in charge of fitting, cutting, installing and selecting the different types of glass and glass substitutes such as fiberglass and plastic. Among their main tasks include installing windows, shower doors, mirrors, display cases, glass tabletops, skylights and special products such as preassembled stained glass and other glass items.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: Most glaziers learn the tricks to the trade through experience, although they can prepare by taking up certificate courses in glassmaking and installation through technical schools and vocational schools. The minimum educational requirement for in most companies and firms is a high school diploma, and glaziers may enter as apprentices for several months to as much as a few years before they become skilled workers. Through apprenticeships they learn to cut, measure, select and install glass doors and other products for homes and interior furnishings as well as buildings and structures.
Skills and Abilities: In order to be a successful glazier, one should know only have the knowledge and skills for the job; they should also be in good physical condition, have excellent eyesight, manual dexterity and should not have a fear of heights. They should also know how to select the right tools and equipment for a particular project, as well as have strong communication skills in order for them to work well with co-workers and supervisors.
Tasks: Glaziers perform a wide variety of tasks, and this primarily include the installation and selection of different types of glass at different types of places. Some are assigned in placing insulating glass to keep heat or sound at a particular space, while others place laminated glass in doors and windows to promote safety and security. They also install mirrors, automobile windows, storefronts, and sunroom additions to homes and other structures. There are times when glaziers are inclined to install plastic and fiberglass materials on other exteriors to allow natural light to enter.
Glaziers also cut materials such as granite, steel, marble and aluminum, and they sometimes use hoists or cranes to move larger pieces and fit them into the right places. Aside from installing glass panels and materials, glaziers also position glass materials and secure them by means of packing putty-like glazing compound to the joints and edges of the glass in moldings in order to cover the open spaces. They also trim off the excess compound during finish touches of the project, laminate safety glass in windows and windshields of vehicles, as well as install plate glass windows in refrigerators and other appliances.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The earnings of glaziers vary depending on the type of industry they work for, the number of hours they render, and their employers. At present, glaziers who happen to be union members earn an average of $33,530 per year, while non-union members earn $20,640 per year.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
Latest Articles about: Careers
1: College Mathematics Professors: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook2: Mathematics Teacher: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
3: Medical Assistant: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
4: Mathematicians: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
5: Medical Ethicist: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Word Count: 493 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 Time: 6:08 AM
Previous - Geriatric Nurses Job Description: Tasks, Required Skills, Education, Career Outlook and Salary | Next - Glass Manufacturing Workers Job Description: Duties, Knowledge and Training Requirements, Job Information