A glazing technician repairs or replaces windscreens, as well as rear and side windows on a range of vehicles. Technicians are usually mobile, but may be based in a garage or specialist centre. They are also known as windscreen technicians.
The Work
You could be:
deciding if the damaged glass can be repaired, or needs to be replaced
repairing damaged glass using a special resin to fill any chips or cracks
removing trims and any mould from around the window
disconnecting any electrical parts
removing damaged glass
selecting the correct size of windscreen or window to be fitted
fitting the glass to the manufacturer’s specifications
refitting the removed electrical parts and trims
processing customer details and payments, which could include the collection of cash.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demands of the job.
For those entering as a Modern Apprentice, the starting salary may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £5.28 an hour (1 April 2023).
The starting salary for a trainee glazing technician working with large company is around £18,000 a year. An experienced glazing technician can expect to earn around £25,500 a year. Some companies offer shift allowances and overtime, as well as bonus schemes.
Conditions
Most technicians spend their day driving from job to job, but some are based in a workshop.
You would usually work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, however some companies operate a 24 hour call out service.
You would need to work outside in all weather conditions.
The job involves a lot of heavy lifting.
You will work with chemicals including glues and resins.
Most of the time you would be working on your own.
You would wear protective clothing including gloves, eye protectors and safety footwear.
Some glazing technicians enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Glass Industry Operations Level 2.
You would need English, Maths and a science or technological subject at National 4.
Larger companies have their own training centres and would put you through their own training programme to achieve the Institute of the Motor Industry's (IMI) accreditation in Autoglazing. You may not need any formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
If entering through a Modern Apprenticeship, you would train both on the job and attend college or training centre on a day or block release basis.
You would complete Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Automotive Glazing at SCQF Level 5.
You may work towards the IMI Autoglazing Accreditation. This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests to become a Technician. There are four levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Autoglazing: Grade 2 Technician, Grade 1 Technician, Master Technician and Bodyshop Technician.
You may also have to attend short courses to keep up to date with the latest developments in the profession.
Getting On
In larger companies, with experience, you may become a supervisor or a manager.
You might move on to become a trainer or instructor.
More Information
For more information please see organisations listed below:
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