Glazing Careers at Giroux Glass
Demand for glaziers comes from new construction and the need to repair and replace windows and other glass in existing buildings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4.7 percent job growth for glaziers by 2030. That percentage translates to about 2,500 jobs nationwide.
Glaziers typically have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and learn the trade through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Apprentices learn the basics of glazing — including the different types of glass products and their applications — and safety protocols to gain the skills and qualifications they need.
Did you know the term “glazier” comes from the Old English word “glaes” and the Middle English “glas” for glass? Some of the skills a glazier needs include:
- knowledge of the glass manufacturing and cutting process
- excellent hand-eye coordination
- ability to lift heavy objects
- good sense of balance
- strong communication skills
Field Jobs
Glaziers must travel to the job site to perform their work in homes and buildings. Union glazing jobs have different training requirements and certifications than non-union glazing jobs.
- Apprentice glazier
- Journeyman glazier
- Supervisor
- Foreman
Non-Field Jobs
We also need experienced partners for a variety of non-field positions, including the following:
- Project estimator
- Project manager
- CAD technician
Trades vs. College
It’s long past the time to change the narrative about a trade career versus going to college. Learning a trade like glazing costs significantly less than earning a four-year college degree; lands you a job quickly in your chosen field; and has you earning a great income immediately, rather than incurring years of student debt.
According to College Board figures, the average cost of attending a public, four-year university during the 2021-22 school year was $27,330 for in-state students. Yet, trade school students spend only about $5,000 per year.
Trade school graduates can enter their profession after completing a program that takes two years or less – much more quickly than waiting to work after four years (or more) earning a bachelor’s degree. Anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in joining a glazing union can be hired as an apprentice without attending a trade school, as long as they have the equivalent of a high school degree and meet the on-the-job and Union training requirements.
You probably know some college graduates who are stuck in low-paying non-career jobs and are faced with mounting student loan debt. In stark contrast, according to U.S. government statistics, 92% of 2022 apprentices who complete their trade program gain employment and go on to earn an average annual salary of $72,000
Glaziers Unions
Now one of the nation’s most respected glazing companies, Giroux Glass has come a long way since 1946, when Louis Giroux started a small family glass repair business.
We are proud to have a highly skilled team of glaziers in our Los Angeles, Fresno, San Bernardino, Orange County and Las Vegas locations who are certified by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).*
IUPAT represents more than 160,000 retired and active members of the Finishing Trades, including commercial painters, drywall finishers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators, and wall coverers as well as glaziers. IUPAT members help shape their communities through service and by fighting for workers’ rights that benefit all working families.
*Our Arizona location is what is considered an “open shop.”
The Glazier’s Career Journey
Download our guide to the glaziers journey through their career. This free download provides detailed information about union requirements, the apprenticeship program, pay, roles, and more.
Your Safety is Our Priority
Glaziers work in a variety of job site settings, including working at heights on ladders and scaffolds and with large and heavy sheets of glass. At Giroux Glass, we focus on training, protective gear, and preventative measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our partners.
We are proud to have earned the 2022 Gold Safety Award from ConstructSecure (aka Highwire). This honor goes to companies that earn a safety score between 85% and 95% in ConstructSecure’s Safety Assessment, which includes a review of historical safety performance and current safety management systems.
A significant factor in Giroux Glass earning this prestigious award is our current Experience Modification Rate (EMR) rating of .63. Insurance companies use the EMR to gauge workers’ compensation insurance premiums and predict the chances of safety violations or claims. An EMR of 1.0 is considered the industry average for safety performance, and any number lower than 1.0 exceeds that standard.
