Glazier: Training, Salary, Tasks

The profession of a glazier (glazier installer-mechanic) in curtain wall installation and commercial fenestration involves installing glass facades on commercial and institutional buildings in Quebec. These professionals construct the exterior envelope of office towers, shopping centres, and public buildings.

This manual work is done in teams, often on large construction sites. It requires handling large sections of glass and aluminum with precision to ensure perfect alignment and sealing.

Want to see the open positions now? Check out the glazier installer-mechanic jobs in Quebec.

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Job Description

Daily Reality

The day often starts with a safety meeting, followed by reviewing plans and shop drawings to validate the installation sequence. Materials (frames, mullions, insulating glass, hardware) arrive on site, and coordination with other trades (carpenters, sheet metal workers, crane operators, etc.) is necessary.

Curtain wall systems are installed using two main approaches:

• Unitized systems: pre-assembled panels delivered by the manufacturer.

• Stick-built systems: fully assembled on site.

Working at heights is common (scaffolding, aerial lifts). Risk management is constant: harnesses, lifelines, lifting procedures, secured work areas.

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Essential Responsibilities (Commercial Glazing)

Reading and Planning

• Read architectural plans and shop drawings

• Understand technical sheets of curtain wall systems

• Verify commercial fenestration specifications

Preparation and Assembly

• Prepare frames and mullions according to tolerances

• Assemble anchoring systems

• Position elements with precision

Installation and Fitting

• Install commercial/institutional windows and doors

• Install insulating, tempered, or laminated glass

• Set up skylights and canopies

• Mount transoms and spandrels

Sealing and Finishing

• Apply caulking (often silicone)

• Install air and vapour barrier membranes

• Place glazing shims and compression seals

• Verify air and water tightness

Equipment Use

• Handle suction cups and vacuum lifters

• Use aerial lifts and telescopic handlers

• Employ alignment lasers (level, plumb, square)

• Use drills, riveters, and glass cutters

Quality Control

• Check plumb, levels, and alignments

• Correct discrepancies before closing areas

• Perform required validations (e.g., water tests)

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Training Path in Quebec

Main Training

To enter the profession, one typically goes through training in glass product installation and fabrication, offered notably here: CFP Samuel-De Champlain – Glass Product Installation and Fabrication.

Once training is completed, you can proceed to obtain your competency certificate (apprentice) by following the steps explained here: how to obtain your CCQ competency card.

The ASP Construction training is also required to work on construction sites. Several useful details are summarized in: essential training to start in construction.

Duration and Progression

• Vocational training generally takes 12 to 18 months depending on the centre and schedule.

• Then, you must complete approximately 6,000 hours of apprenticeship on site to become a journeyman (according to applicable rules), maintain an apprenticeship logbook, and pass the required evaluations.

To understand access rules and the functioning of the labour pool: CCQ labour pool and trade access.

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Salary (CCQ Hourly Rates)

In commercial glazing, rates vary by sector. Here are the hourly rates (wage rates) in ICI (institutional/commercial and industrial), applicable from April 27, 2025:

• Journeyman: $47.29/h

• Apprentice – Period 1: $28.37/h

• Apprentice – Period 2: $33.10/h

• Apprentice – Period 3: $40.20/h

Want to see all the CCQ rates from the 2025–2028 agreement (official dates + amounts) for this trade?
Check out our complete reference: CCQ Rate Chart 2025–2026.

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Essential Skills

Personal Qualities

• Precision (measurements, tolerances, finishing, sealing)

• Communication and coordination with the team and other trades

• Organization (deliveries, sequences, preparation)

• Rigour in health and safety (working at heights, glass handling)

Technical Skills

• Reading plans and shop drawings

• Laser alignment, level, plumb, square

• System assembly (mullions, transoms, anchors)

• Glass installation (tempered, laminated, insulating) with specialized tools

• Sealing: membranes, tapes, joints, and sealants (according to the system)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a curtain wall and a commercial window?

A curtain wall is a lightweight aluminum and glass system attached to the building structure without bearing structural load. A commercial window is a unit installed in a designated opening. Curtain walls generally require more alignment, coordination, and sealing work.

How to legally work as a glazier on construction sites in Quebec?

In summary: recognized training, ASP Construction, then steps to obtain the competency certificate (apprentice) and accumulate apprenticeship hours. For a step-by-step detail: CCQ competency card.

Is it a year-round job?

Yes. Even if some facade work may slow down depending on conditions, there are also mandates for interior installation (glass partitions, commercial doors) and in service/maintenance.