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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.
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
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded a diploma in addition to 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.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22233, 22303, 70010, 70011, 72014, 73111, 73200.
Apprenticeship 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.
Year 1 | Period 1
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.
Year 2 | Period 2
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.
Year 3 | Period 3
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.
Year 4 | Period 4
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 succeed in apprenticeship education, you must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
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 20-2
- Math 20-3
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 OR Chemistry 30 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't 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 (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services