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Glazier
Glaziers fit or replace glass and mirrors in buildings and vehicles. They work with glass or other window materials such as plastic.
Glaziers first obtain details of their customer’s requiments before commencing work. They then remove any broken glass that must be replaced and measure the area to be fitted with new glass. They obain the type of glass or mirror to be used, in accordance with the customer’s wishes and their own expertise. They cut it to the correct size and shape with a diamond or wheel cutter, sometimes using a pattern, and bevel (smooth) the edges. Then putty, rubber strips or wooden beading is used to fit the glass into the frame, or to attach the mirror to a wall with suitable fixing devices.
Glaziers work with, and need to know about, all types of glass, such as plate, toughened, laminated, tinted or opaque, as well as mirrors. They must work according to current building standards (or vehicle safety standards in the case of windshields etc). In addition to windows, glaziers work on glass roofs / walls and double glazing. They need to have a good head for heights as much of their work will be done on high-rise buildings.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- being active, working outdoors
- offering an efficient service
Demanding aspects
- having to work at great heights on occasion
- frequent standing, stooping and lifting
- possibility of injury on the job
- sometimes having to work in hot, cold, dusty or noisy environments
- sometimes having to work overtime on weekends and public holidays to meet deadlines and schedules
Requirements
- able to work both on your own and in a team
- be accurate
- have a good head for heights
- be safety conscious and careful
- have a steady hand
- able to work with your hands, using various tools, machinery and equipment
- get things done in a practical and efficient way
School Subjects
Grade 9, Grade 10 Certificate, or N1 is recommended.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Engineering and Graphic Design
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Employer
- contractors and home-builders
- businesses that do their own construction and alterations
- manufacturing and mining concerns
- insurance companies
- vehicle repair shops
- self-employed
Contact
Construction Education Training Authority (CETA)
2nd Floor, Unit 5 Momentum Business Park
Main Road
Midrand, 1685
Tel: (011) 265-5900
www.ceta.org.za
BIFSA Head Office
Construction Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
P O Box 1619
Halfway House, 1685
Tel: (011) 205-9000
www.ci-net.co.za