Glass and Glazing Fabricator

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Admire and reflect on your exact craftsmanship and make a clear impact as a glazier.

As a Glass and Glazing Fabricator, you’ll be the invisible artist behind stunning facades and energy-efficient interiors. Your precision and skill will shape the way light interacts with buildings, creating transparent marvels that stand the test of time.

Glass and Glazing Fabricators play a vital role in the construction, manufacturing, and renovation industries. They specialise in the fabrication, cutting, and customisation of glass products for a wide range of applications, contributing significantly to the aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety of buildings and industrial equipment.

These skilled professionals work with a diverse array of glass types, including float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, and specialty coatings. They must possess a deep understanding of glass properties, fabrication techniques, and safety protocols. Glass and glazing fabricators use a variety of tools and equipment, from basic hand tools to advanced CNC machines and tempering furnaces.

Fabricators are highly sought after across various manufacturing sectors, where their skill in crafting accurate and durable glass components is essential to industry operations.

A typical day for a Glass and Glazing Fabricator might involve interpreting technical drawings, cutting glass to size, performing edge work and surface treatments, assembling multi-layer glass units, and ensuring strict quality control measures are met. The role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges in the fabrication process.

In this role, your duties may include:

  1. Interpret blueprints and specifications to determine glass fabrication requirements
  2. Operate CNC machines, cutting tools, and other equipment to precisely cut and shape glass
  3. Perform edge work, tempering, laminating, and other specialised fabrication techniques
  4. Assemble multi-layer glass units, such as insulated glass and laminated safety glass
  5. Ensure strict quality control measures are met throughout the fabrication process

Becoming a glass and glazing fabricator typically involves a combination of formal training and on-the-job experience. Here’s a general pathway to enter this specialised profession:

  1. Complete Year 10 or equivalent, with a focus on mathematics, physics, and technical subjects you could also complete a Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways (MSF20522)
  2. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.
  3. Gain practical experience in a glass fabrication workshop or manufacturing facility
  4. Undertake a Certificate II in Glass and Glazing (MSF20413) or Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (MSF30422) through an apprenticeship or vocational training
  5. Obtain any necessary licenses or certifications required in your state or territory, such as machinery operation and safety training
  6. Consider specialising in specific glass fabrication techniques or applications, such as architectural glass or automotive glazing
Also Known As:
  • Glazier
  • Commercial Glass Installer and Fabricator
  • Glass Process Worker
  • Stained Glass and Leadlight Assistant
  • Flat Glass Worker
  • Glass Processing Labourer
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a glass and glazing fabricator include:

  • Glass properties knowledge
  • Precision machining
  • Problem solving
  • Quality control awareness
  • Technical proficiency
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a glass and glazing fabricator include:

  • Meticulous
  • Safety-conscious
  • Innovative
  • Adaptable
  • Collaborative
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Building and Construction Skills
  • Engineering Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Furnishing Skills
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Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Glass and Glazing Fabricator can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$60,000
Median
$70,000
High
$80,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment as a glass and glazing fabricator. You can undertake the following qualification as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate II in Glass and Glazing (MSF20413)
  • Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (MSF30422)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, ACCREDITATIONS AND LICENCES

Glass and glazing fabricators may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Qualified glaziers may look at accreditations including the Master Glazier Program by the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA).

For those looking to advance into leadership roles or deepen their expertise:

  • Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing (MSF40422)

University education is not typically required for glass and glazing fabricators, as the profession is primarily skills-based and learned through vocational training and on-the-job experience. However, for those looking to advance into management roles or specialise in architectural glass design, relevant degree programs might include:

  • Bachelor of Construction Management
  • Bachelor of Architectural Design

While these degrees are not necessary for most fabrication positions, they can provide valuable knowledge in project management, building sciences, and advanced construction techniques. This broader understanding can be beneficial for those aiming to take on supervisory roles, manage large-scale glass fabrication projects, or transition into related fields such as construction management or architectural design.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

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