GLAZIERS California Occupational Guide Number 104 Interest Area 5-C 1996
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.
Jobseekers should also register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service 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.
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