Glazier Jobs Are in High Demand

The Construction industry and most trades, including glazing, took a hit in 2020, mostly due to the result of supply chain issues and delays because of the economic shutdown. Even though construction remained essential, sub-contractors in many instances could not report to jobs. Fortunately, the challenges of the industry in 2020 gave way to a much more optimistic outlook in 2021 and beyond.

Construction jobs are expected to grow over the next five years driven by commercial and residential building projects. However, the industry will be challenged to replace over 300,000 retirees and keep pace with demand. In Ontario alone, the industry will need to hire, train, and retain more than 116,000 additional workers.

Glazier jobs are directly tied to the growth of the construction industry and are an integral part of new builds, as well as renovation projects. Glaziers are very specialized and skilled tradesman who cut, fit, install, and replace glass in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They also skillfully perform glass installation and repairs on exterior walls of buildings and other structures, and in furniture products.

The Glazier Life

Becoming a glazier is not for the faint hearted and you will need to be physically on your game. You may find yourself high up on top of a building working with heavy glass. Not to worry, however, as with most construction jobs, you will have all the training and equipment to keep you safe. Glaziers typically work 37.5 to 40 hours per week depending on which sector they are in, and keep busy year-round with both indoor and outdoor jobs as broken glass always requires repair.

Learning the ropes takes time and apprenticeship training programs require completing 8,000 hours to achieve certification. This is approximately 4 years, if an apprentice is working steady. With combined in class and in person training, glaziers need to have both knowledge and physical skills to succeed. The good news is that you earn while you learn. As an apprentice, you start at 50% earnings of a certified glazier, also known as a journeyperson. This increases every 1,000 hour in the ICI sector.

Outlook for Glazier Jobs

Glazier jobs have a bright outlook especially with a rebounding construction industry combined with an anticipated skills shortage. Demand is high for glazier jobs who also play a key role in the construction industry ecosystem. Design trends both in the residential and commercial sector favour glass walls which provide transparency and visual appeal. They also harvest light into buildings, reducing energy consumption.

Contact IUPAT About Glazier Jobs

By starting a career as a glazier, you will not only acquire knowledge, but you will also develop highly specialized skills and support an economy that is in dire need of skilled tradespeople. Contact us to learn more about the opportunities for glazier jobs in Ontario.