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Overview
Learn how to cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications.
You'll read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine the materials required, the framing location and the installation procedures. If you’re comfortable working at heights, have the physical stamina to lift heavy glass and are detail-oriented, you’ll enjoy a career as a glazier.
During your career, you will:
- measure openings for size and shape
- mark and cut glass panes to fit and secure the panes in place
- weatherproof joints and assemble and install aluminum window parts
- install and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings
- assemble parts of prefabricated glass units such as revolving doors, display cases, shower doors, storefronts, skylights and other support structures
- install and maintain prefabricated glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, handrails and walkways
- replace safety glass, windows, windshields and glass in furniture and other products.
Glaziers are skilled tradespeople comfortable working at heights, collaborating with others and working independently. This line of work is most fulfilling for creative people who enjoy working with their hands in various environments.
To succeed in this trade, you should:
- have good communication skills
- be a creative thinker
- have some math ability
- have the physical strength and stamina to handle heavy glass materials
- have good vision to measure, cut and identify flaws in glass
- have the manual dexterity to manipulate glass pieces
- be able to work independently or in a team environment
- be committed to practicing safe work habits.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, you'll be awarded a diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22233, 22303, 70010, 70011, 72014, 73111, 73200.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for a glazier is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, tools and construction products. You will then learn glass and glass fabrication level one, glazing and service level one, window systems, math and drawing interpretation level one.
Training length: 6 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You'll learn glass and glass fabrication level two, glazing and service level two, construction product application, frames and door systems, and math and drawing interpretation level two.
Training length: 6 weeks
Year 3 | Period 3
You'll learn frame systems level one, door systems level one, glazing and services level three, sloped glazing systems, and math and drawing interpretation level three.
Training length: 6 weeks
Year 4 | Period 4
You'll learn red seal program and specialty productions, frame systems level two, door systems level two, glazing and service level four as well as math and drawing interpretation level four.
Training length: 6 weeks
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each period is no less than 50% in each course, with no less than a 65% average overall. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance exam.
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 OR Chemistry 30 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).
If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Glazier
- Available credits:
- 42
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Bachelor of Technology: Trades and Technology Leadership
- Available credits:
- 45
Available intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
We recommend you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
This program requires personal protective equipment (PPE), which may be an additional cost.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.