Glaziers Job Information

Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, replacing, and removing all types of glass. Work in the glazing field includes both residential and commercial projects. Residential projects may include replacing a home’s window glass to improve energy efficiency and installing glass mirrors, shower doors, and bathtub enclosures. Commercial interior glazing projects include installing heavy, decorative room dividers or security windows. Other glazing projects may involve replacing storefront windows for retail establishments, building metal framework extrusions, and installing glass panels or curtain walls. Glaziers use hand tools such as glasscutters, suction cups, and glazing knives, as well as power tools such as saws, drills, cutters, and grinders. Glazing projects are focusing more and more on weatherization practices and the installation of new energy efficient glazing systems.

The North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute is an accredited institution with the Council on Occupational Education. The NCIFTI occupies a 48,000 square foot training center located in Aurora.

Must be 17 or older; must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate (or be able to successfully complete an aptitude test); must have access to reliable transportation; must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the trade.

The NCIFTI apprenticeship program runs for three years. Apprentices receive on-the-job training while working for a signatory contractor and attend one full day of training at the training facility once every two weeks. The curriculum covers all learning styles, from classroom lectures to hands-on applications to virtual reality training.

Basic math and/or geometry.

Glaziers often work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. Their jobs require a considerable amount of kneeling, lifting, and bending and require work on scaffolding, swing stages, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. Glaziers must adhere to safe work practices and follow OSHA guidelines for preventing injury, especially when working at great heights or when working with broken glass. 

Must demonstrate an ability to work at heights and must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Apprentices start at 40 percent of the full journey worker scale, with increases scheduled every six months:

• $36.16/hr Base Wage, plus
• $11.67/hr Health and Welfare, Plus
• $10.67/hr Annuity and Pension.

(subject to change)