Two construction workers wearing orange helmets installing large glass panels on a building facade.

Glazier

What Does a Glazier Do?

What Does a Glazier Do?

Workers in safety gear install large glass panels with city skyline and Ferris wheel reflections on a sunny day.

Become a Glazier in Georgia

Glazing Apprenticeship & Careers

Glaziers install glass and metal systems used in modern buildings. From large curtain wall systems on high-rise towers to storefront windows, skylights, and architectural glass, glaziers help shape the exterior appearance and functionality of many commercial structures.

In Georgia, many glaziers begin their careers through a union apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 77, which represents glaziers and finishing trades workers throughout the region.

If you enjoy precision work, working outdoors on construction projects, and helping build the glass structures that define modern architecture, a career as a glazier can offer strong wages, benefits, and paid training.

What Glaziers Do

Glaziers install and repair glass and related materials used in building construction.

Their work includes:

• Installing large glass panels on commercial buildings
• Installing aluminum framing systems
• Installing curtain wall systems on high-rise buildings
• Setting storefront glass and entrances
• Installing windows and skylights
• Sealing and waterproofing glass systems
• Removing and replacing broken glass

Glaziers must understand building layouts, safety procedures, and proper installation techniques to ensure glass systems are secure and weatherproof.

Where Glaziers Work

Glaziers work on many types of construction projects across Georgia, including:

• Commercial office buildings
• High-rise towers
• Hotels and resorts
• Airports
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Shopping centers and retail buildings
• Schools and universities
• Mixed-use developments

Their work is especially visible on modern buildings that use large glass facades.

Example Projects Glaziers Work On

Union glaziers help build projects such as:

• Atlanta high-rise office towers with glass curtain walls
• Airport terminals and transportation facilities
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Retail shopping centers and storefronts
• Hotels and large commercial developments
• University buildings and campus facilities

Many of the glass exteriors seen on modern buildings are installed by skilled glaziers.

Glazier Apprenticeship Program

Most glaziers start their careers through a registered apprenticeship program.

The IUPAT District Council 77 apprenticeship program includes:

• Paid on-the-job training
• Classroom instruction
• Hands-on installation training

Apprentices earn wages while they learn and receive regular raises as their skills improve.

How Long the Apprenticeship Takes

Glazier apprenticeship programs typically last:

3-4 years

During that time apprentices complete:

• Thousands of hours of on-the-job training
• Classroom instruction at union training facilities

Training includes:

• Glass installation techniques
• Curtain wall systems
• Aluminum framing systems
• Blueprint reading
• Sealants and waterproofing
• Construction safety

After completing the program, apprentices become journeyman glaziers.

Local Union for Glaziers in Georgia

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 77

IUPAT District Council 77 represents glaziers and finishing trades workers throughout Georgia and the surrounding region.

Members gain access to:

• Apprenticeship training
• Health insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Job opportunities on major construction projects
• Ongoing training and certifications

How To Apply for the Glazier Apprenticeship

To apply for the apprenticeship program, contact the union training program:

IUPAT District Council 77

Website
https://www.iupatdc77.org

Phone
(404) 696-0291

Location
Atlanta, Georgia

Applicants typically need:

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic math skills
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to perform construction work

Why Choose a Career as a Glazier?

Glaziers enjoy careers that offer:

• Strong union wages and benefits
• Paid training instead of college debt
• Opportunities to work on highly visible buildings
• Specialized installation skills
• Long-term demand in commercial construction

Glaziers help create the glass architecture that defines modern skylines.

Other Construction Trades in Georgia

Interested in other skilled trades?

Explore career paths in:

• Electrical (IBEW)
• Plumbing and Pipefitting
• Sheet Metal
• Ironworking
• Carpentry
• Insulation
• Operating Engineers
• Elevator Construction
• And more

Choose Another Skill