Available Intakes
Overview
Learn how to cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial residential and automotive applications.
If you can work at heights, have the physical stamina to lift heavy glass and are detail-oriented, you will enjoy a career as a glazier. You'll read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine the materials required, the location of framing and the procedures for installation.
During your career, you will:
- measure openings for size and shape, mark and cut glass panes to fit, secure the panes in place, weatherproof joints and assemble and install aluminum window parts
- install, fit, fabricate and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings
- assemble parts of pre-fabricated glass units such as revolving doors, display cases, plate glass, shower doors, storefronts, automatic doors, skylights, sloped glazing, curtain walls, barrel vaults, solariums and other support structures
- install and maintain pre-fabricated glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, fronts of buildings, handrails and walkways
- replace safety glass, windows, windshields and glass in furniture and other products.
Is this the right fit for me?
Glaziers are skilled tradespeople who are comfortable working at heights, collaborating with others and working independently. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy working with their hands, are creative and working in a variety of environments.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- comfortable working at heights
- strong mathematical ability
- creative thinking skills
- physical strength and stamina to handle heavy glass materials
- good vision to measure, cut, and identify flaws in glass
- manual dexterity to manipulate glass pieces
- ability to work independently or in a team environment
- dedication to practicing safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Glaziers are employed by construction companies, architects, interior design firms and Glazier shops. Glaziers work in a variety of environments. Some work outdoors at construction sites, sometimes on scaffolds and swing-stages (platforms suspended from the top of high-rise buildings and other elevated surfaces). Others work in factories installing glass in wooden or metal frames, or in shops replacing glass in vehicles or furniture.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions or take on new apprentices. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2023/24 academic year opens May 10, 2023.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Sept. 19, 2023 | Oct. 27, 2023 |
| 2 | Nov. 6, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| 4 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Feb. 16, 2024 |
| 1 | Feb. 26, 2024 | April 5, 2024 |
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a glazier is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of classroom instruction each year.
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, tools and construction products. You will then learn glass and glass fabrication level one, glazing and service level one, window systems, math and drawing interpretation level one.
You will then learn glass and glass fabrication level two, glazing and service level two, construction product application, frames and door systems as well as math and drawing interpretation level two.
You will then learn frame systems level one, door systems level one, glazing and services level three, sloped glazing systems as well as math and drawing interpretation level three.
You will learn red seal program and specialty productions, frame systems level two, door systems level two, glazing and service level four as well as math and drawing interpretation level four.
Apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $720 | $231 | $54 | $1,005 |
| 2 | $720 | $231 | $54 | $1,005 |
| 3 | $720 | $231 | $54 | $1,005 |
| 4 | $720 | $231 | $54 | $1,005 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees*
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023.
| Period | Number of weeks | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | $792 | $247 | $54 | $1,093 |
| 2 | 6 | $792 | $247 | $54 | $1,093 |
| 3 | 6 | $792 | $247 | $54 | $1,093 |
| 4 | 6 | $792 | $247 | $54 | $1,093 |
Fees breakdown
| SAIT fees | Cost per period |
|---|---|
| Lab and materials fee | $90 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 |
| Campus recreation fee | $51.50 |
| Total | $247 |
Saitsa fee per week: $9
Learn more about what your fees are for
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal protective equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
