Glazier
Fit glass in people's windows and doors, replace broken glass and install double glazing.
About the job
What it's like
You would fit glass in people’s windows and doors and replace broken glass panes.
You could fit double glazing at a house, install windows at a new office development or carry out glass repairs.
You’d need to be able to follow technical drawings and plans. Accurate measurements will be important for cutting the glass to size and you’d need to work carefully and precisely.
What you might do on a glass replacement job:
select the correct glass for the job, for example safety glass to go in a shop front or security glass for a bank
remove the old or broken panes, using tools like suction pads (for larger pieces), chisels and pliers
remove the beading or putty from frames
fit the new glass
make the fitting watertight using sealants, rubber strips, or lead and aluminium flashing
You would normally use made-to-measure glass panes that have been cut to size in a workshop beforehand. You may need to make some small adjustments to shape pieces on site using diamond- or wheel-cutting tools.
As well as fitting glass, you could be involved in the manufacture of glazed units, such as timber or UPVC-framed windows and doors.
With experience, you may be able to use your skills on specialist projects, for example on churches or restoring listed buildings.
Some jobs involve working at heights from ladders, scaffolding or suspended cradles.
Hours
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, which could include out-of-hours duties for emergency replacement of broken glass.
Environment
You would work both indoors and outdoors, depending on each job.
Travel
You would travel from job to job, and some contracts may involve working away from home for periods of time. You would need to drive to transport your equipment.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- glazing
- glass installation
- power tool operation
- blueprinting
- hand tools
- working at heights
- manual handling
- supply chain
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Woodwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Glass Industry Occupations (SVQ level 3) and registration with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).
You don't always need any qualifications to get into a Modern Apprenticeship but but some employers will look for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Qualifications that show understanding of the industry and practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCFQ level 4/5).
Women and Work Sector Pathways initiative (W&WSPI)
Skills for Work Construction Crafts courses
National Progression Award (prevocational or pre-apprenticeship courses) at college
Employability Fund projects (like Youthbuild which support young people's journey to work)
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence is required for most jobs.
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