Glazier

Glaziers fit or replace glass and mirrors in buildings and vehicles. They work with glass or other window materials such as plastic.

Glaziers first obtain details of their customer’s requiments before commencing work. They then remove any broken glass that must be replaced and measure the area to be fitted with new glass.

They obain the type of glass or mirror to be used, in accordance with the customer’s wishes and their own expertise. They cut it to the correct size and shape with a diamond or wheel cutter, sometimes using a pattern, and bevel (smooth) the edges. Then putty, rubber strips or wooden beading is used to fit the glass into the frame, or to attach the mirror to a wall with suitable fixing devices.

Glaziers work with, and need to know about, all types of glass, such as plate, toughened, laminated, tinted or opaque, as well as mirrors. They must work according to current building standards (or vehicle safety standards in the case of windshields etc). In addition to windows, glaziers work on glass roofs / walls and double glazing. They need to have a good head for heights as much of their work will be done on high-rise buildings.

Personal Requirements

able to work both on your own and in a team
be accurate
have a good head for heights
be safety conscious and careful
able to work with your hands
have a steady hand
get things done in a practical and efficient way

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Grade 9, or 10 Certificate, or N1 is recommended.

What to Study

There are 3 ways to qualify as a registered artisan:

1. An apprenticeship is a fixed contract between company and apprentice, ranging in duration from between 18 months and 4 years. At the end of the contract, the apprentice writes a trade test leading to professional certification.

2. A learnership is a structured learning programme ranging from about a year to 3 years. A learnership comprises theoretical and practical training. Practical training is conducted on site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets experience whilst training.

3. TVET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (NCV) similar to the new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.

All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a TVET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.

For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest TVET College. TVET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MerSETA or ChietaSETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid GLAZIER Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme. All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan.

As an alternative to doing the full qualification, learner can apply to do a skills programme at an TVET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands
on courses.

Employment

contractors and home-builders
businesses that do their own construction and alterations
manufacturing and mining concerns
insurance companies
vehicle repair shops
self-employed

Further Information

CetaSETA (Construction Education Training Authority)
Midrand Builders Centre
183 Kerk Street (cnr Old Pretoria Main Road)
Halfway House Midrand,
1685
Tel: (011) 265-5900
www.ceta.org.za

BIFSA Head Office
Construction Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
P O Box 1619
Halfway House, 1685
Tel: (011) 205-9000

Getting Started