He has worked for the company, which provides commercial customers with metal supports for glass installation, for 24 years. One job to the next is totally different from the last one. Every job has its own personality and its own character. A glazier works with glass and glass products, said Brian Hendrix, organizer and business representative of Glaziers and Glassworkers Local 188 in Seattle. Glaziers also do welding and build scaffolding.
Employers recommend that glaziers learn the trade through formal apprenticeship programs.
The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council in the Department of Labor and Industries oversees an apprenticeship program that is run in conjunction with South Seattle Community College. It takes training and knowledge. That's why we require ourselves to go to a certain amount of schooling to keep updated. An apprentice must be 18 years old and have a high-school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and basic math and reading skills. Glaziers must handle heavy pieces of glass and must be able to lift at least 75 pounds, Schuler said.