Many home owners prefer rooms with ample amount of sunlight to increase their scenic view. With large windows, it will create the sense of a larger roomier space. Also, decorative glass on doors, showers, and windows can add value to ones home.
Church's and cathedrals also use extravagant glass that may break over time and needs to be repaired.
Training and education for glaziers is typically done on the job or in a vocational school. Glaziers also start out as apprentices under more experienced glazier professionals. Those who learn quickly and apply their knowledge on glass may advance faster then others. There is no time table for training in the glazier profession but on average three years of training is normal. There are three different levels or stages in proficiency a glazier can achieve. First being a Level I Glazier, Level II Commercial Interior or Residential Glazier Storefront or Curtain wall, and Level III Master Glazier. These exams are offered by the National Glass Association. Taking these exams can be highly beneficial to a glazier's career, which can lead to better positions and wages.
Becoming certified in any profession is almost a must in this day and age because it shows the level of competency, professionalism, and efficiency employers look for. Certification is more then just a piece of paper; it will provide many more glaziers job opportunities. Confidence in employers will also increase because certification will show how well one is aware in safety procedures. Certification in glazier is not a prerequisite so those who do become certified may travel to different States while having to be certified in each individual State.
Craftsmanship is something that is highly regarded in a field such as glaziers. Companies and home owners want the best quality possible in the shortest amount of time to either repair or replace glass.
Glaziers must have excellent hand eye-coordination with good mathematical skills because measuring is a major aspect of the job. Depending on the nature of the job one is performing being a glazier can be physically demanding. Ideally a glazier should not be afraid of heights because many work on large buildings high above the streets.
Glaziers are expected to increase overall within the next decade because of the rise of new residential and commercial structures. Many buildings now have become old and new remodeling such as glass replacement is necessary. There still could be periods of unemployment because glazier positions are affected by the state of the economy. Many houses that go unsold for example don't get repaired which affects the glazier becoming hired. During natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornados glaziers may experience an increase in employment because the need to repair and replace broken glass is needed. Glaziers will always be needed because there will always be the need for homes and commercial buildings. The market for glaziers will fluctuate over a given period of time, but overall glaziers will never become an obsolete profession.
Glazier's can earn a considerable amount ranging from $11.00-$30.00 per hour given experience, training, certification, and type of work. Those who show an interest in other types of installation may also become masons, painters, metal workers, and carpenters.
Glaziers who can artistically apply their skills in glass may also become glass sculptors. While glass sculpting requires its own set of skills and education, those who have basic knowledge of glass and experience may be attracted to this type of work. Glass sculptures show style and a sense of sophistication as decorative art pieces. Those who enjoy working with their hands on a regular basis may want to dive into different aspects of glass making and construction. Glass can be more than just a window in an office building or home. While glass does serve a functional, practical purpose, it also can be a work of art for many to appreciate.
