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Glaziers

THE JOB

GLAZIERS cut and install glass and perform a variety of related tasks.  They
may read job orders and blueprints to determine the size, shape, and 
location of glass to be installed and possibly the type and size of the 
staging and scaffolding necessary to complete a job.  Those who only install
auto glass are not included in this guide.

In a shop setting, Glaziers build metal sash and moldings, using aluminum 
or steel framing.  The metal is cut and shaped for storefront facings, for
entrances in commercial, office, and factory buildings, and for glass 
doors and windows of all types.  The metal is usually intended to support 
the glass and provide a decorative effect.  Glaziers sometimes cut glass to
a specified size.  This involves drawing a glass cutter firmly along a 
straightedge or template and gently breaking away the excess.  The shop 
has equipment for grinding and polishing when this is necessary.  Some 
types of glass cannot be cut after manufacture and must be ordered to size.

At a construction site, Glaziers attach the formed metal moldings to the 
building.  The sash must be exactly vertical and square, and the channel 
must be of sufficient depth to allow clearance for expansion of the glass 
and still assure that it will hold the glass when it is contracted.  The 
glass may be tinted, laminated, insulated, or treated by some other process.
Each type of glass has an expansion and contraction rate with which the 
Glazier must be familiar.  The Glazier chooses the appropriate glazing 
compound which may be laid in the channel with a putty knife for putty 
glazing, or which may come in strip form or in the form of a rubber gasket 
for dryset.  When the glass is dryset, plastic or cushion-metal setting 
blocks are used as supports.  The job is finished by fitting in the glass 
and, if necessary, attaching face moldings, weather seals or hardware, and
adjusting door or window operation.  Less skill is required of Glaziers 
installing prefabricated glass products which are increasingly used in 
building construction.

The Glazier may be required to perform jobs such as installing mirrors and
structural glass (colored, decorative glass applied to structural members),
glazing one-way mirrors, and repairing glass showcases or ordinary wooden-
framed windows.  Although some Glaziers may specialize in jobs such as 
installation of tub or shower doors, many learn to handle all the different
types of glass installation and the special problems presented by each.  
These "all-around" or "combination" Glaziers also install auto glass.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Employment in the glazing trade is less seasonal than in most of the 
construction crafts.  Such activities as replacing broken glass, making 
shower doors, and cutting glass for store cabinets and fixtures provide work
through the year.  Employment in retail outlets also tends to be stable.

Minor cuts from glass edges and sharp tools are common in this occupation.
Severe cuts are rare, however, as employers and unions emphasize safety 
training to reduce injuries.  Glaziers also face the danger of falls from 
scaffolding and the possibility of injury from lifting.

Hand tools used in the trade, such as glass cutters, putty knives, pliers,
screw drivers, drills, chisels, and hammers, are usually supplied by the 
worker.  The cost of a tool kit begins at about $700.

This occupation is extensively unionized in commercial construction, and 
some Glaziers employed by retail outlets are also under union contract.  
Union membership is greater in large metropolitan areas such as San 
Francisco and Los Angeles.  Workers often belong to the Glaziers and 
Glass Workers Union of the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections and Planning 
Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993             3,810
Estimated number of workers in 2005             5,120
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        34%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   1,160

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

It appears that there will be many work opportunities for Glaziers who work 
in nonunion glass shops throughout the State.  This trend is expected to 
continue and there will be job opportunities in the metropolitan areas for
those who wish to enter the Glazier trade either as a union apprentice or a
Glazier in a non-union shop.

The number of job openings may fluctuate from year to year because 
employment in this trade is affected by changes in general economic 
conditions.  Glaziers can experience periods of unemployment because of 
drops in construction activity or seasonal slow-downs.  Since the usual 
method of entry to the Glaziers' trade is through apprenticeship, the 
supply of Glaziers over the long-term has generally equaled the demand for
their services.  Since training often concentrates on the more limited 
skills needed to install prefabricated glass, good "all-around" Glaziers 
have the best chance in finding work.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

There is a significant difference between nonunion and union Glaziers.  
Nonunion wages can range from $5.00 per hour for beginning Glaziers to 
$21.00 for those with several years of experience.  For union members, 
wages range from $8.00 per hour to $33.00.

Most Glaziers work 40 hours a week.  However, some union locals have 
negotiated alternating 32 and 40 hour weeks.  Overtime may be necessary 
during the peak construction periods.

Apprentices start at about half the journey-level rates.  Apprenticeship 
contracts determine the amount and frequency of wage increases.

Fringe benefits may include pension plans, life and health insurance, paid
holidays, and vacations.  Most unionized Glaziers belong to the 
International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

A four-year apprenticeship is the usual method of entering this occupation.
To be eligible, the applicant must be at least 17 and a high school 
graduate or its equivalent, with at least average grades in mathematics 
and a passing score on an aptitude test.  In addition to mathematics, 
helpful high school courses include mechanical drawing and metal and wood
shop.  After entering the program, apprentices attend evening trade 
classes at local schools.  Journey-level workers keep current by 
studying manufacturers' manuals.

The occupation of Glazier involves much physical work. Glaziers often climb
ladders, work from scaffolds, load and drive trucks.  Glaziers find flaws 
in the glass they work with, flaws so small that they can only be detected 
by careful and precise examination.  Only average strength is needed since 
Glaziers generally work as a team when moving heavy panes of plate glass.


ADVANCEMENT

Journey-level Glaziers can advance to the position of supervisor or they 
may go into business for themselves as glazing contractors.


FINDING THE JOB

Job seekers can apply directly to construction companies, retail glass 
outlets, or large glass manufacturing firms.  Or they can contact the union
local for job referrals or apprentice-ship information.  They may also 
check in the telephone directory under "Glass," "Glaziers," or 
"Contractors Building, General" for companies that employ Glaziers. 

Job Seekers should also register with the California Employment Development
Department Workforce Services Office.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Further information on apprenticeship programs can be obtained from local 
offices of the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of 
Apprenticeship Standards.  Those interested in self-employment should 
contact the:

Contractors State License Board
9835 Goethe Road
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 255-3985;  (800)-321-2752

Additional general information is available from:

Glass Association of North America
3310 South West Harrison Street
Topeka, KS 66611
(913) 266-7013

National Glass Association
8200 Greensboro Drive, Suite 302
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 442-4890


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Tilesetters                   No. 103
Painters and Paper Hangers    No. 148
Carpenters                    No. 169
Plasterers & Stucco Masons    No. 249
Floor Covering Installers     No. 383


OCCUPATIONAL CODE  REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Glazier                   865.381-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Glaziers                       878110


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.