What Does an Automotive Glass Technician Do?

An Automotive Glass Technician repairs, removes and installs glass and windshields in motorized and automotive vehicles.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Storing and handling glass
  • Protecting yourself and others by using protective equipment and following safety practices
  • Inspecting vehicles for damage, including water or air leaks
  • Diagnosing the damage to glass, trim and components
  • Preparing materials requisitions
  • Creating and/or reading a template sketch
  • Selecting automotive glass tools, safety equipment and replacement glass, trim and components
  • Installing new materials by preparing and using vehicle bonding materials
  • Performing leak tests and using adhesives, sealers, primers and solvents
  • Becoming knowledgeable about all types of automotive glass, cataloguers and software describing procedures, pricing and parts
  • Communicating with clients, co-workers and supervisors

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Grade 12 is the legal minimum educational requirement to apprentice in this trade. To succeed in this trade, you should have courses in Mathematics, Science, Drafting and English. This is an unrestricted trade, which means that you do not need to complete an apprenticeship to work in this trade, although it is highly recommended. You must be a registered apprentice to receive your Certificate of Apprenticeship.

It takes from 1 to 2 years to complete an Automotive Glass Technician apprenticeship - 2000 to 4000 hours of on-the-job and in-school training.

The in-school component is comprised of 1 period of 8 weeks (240 hours). This can be done as a block release, day release, and/or in-plant with courses in:

  • Safety - protecting yourself and others
  • Communication: with customers, co-workers and supervisors
  • Estimating - costs of repair
  • Repairing heater grids and terminals
  • Removing and installing glass, trim and related components
  • Repairing and replacing manual and power operated mechanically attached glass
  • Detailing of vehicles

What’s Your Future as an Automotive Glass Technician?

Automotive Glass Technicians generally work a 40-hour week, mostly indoors in custom repair shops. They are exposed to sharp edges and broken glass so safety is an important part of this trade. Some Automotive Glass Technicians are self-employed and successfully run their own businesses. The job outlook for this trade is good through to 2007. Employers who hire Automotive Glass Technicians include:

  • Automotive/motive vehicle dealers
  • Automotive repair shops and garages
  • Automotive custom/specialty companies
  • Motor vehicle manufacturing companies
  • Public transit authorities
  • Trucking companies

Wage Rate

  • An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
  • Wages for fully qualified Surface Blasters vary from $13.00-$20.00 per hour, depending on the size of the shop they work for, and if they are self-employed

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as an Automotive Glass Technician For You?

Are you comfortable working around potentially harmful materials?

Yes      No

Do you have good manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and enjoy working with your hands in creative ways?

Yes      No

Can you work to precise measurements?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with tools?

Yes      No

Do you have the physical strength to manipulate heavy pieces of glass and are willing to perform hard physical work?

Yes      No

Do you have the patience for very detailed work?

Yes      No

Can you work well independently or as a member of a team to get the job done?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as an Automotive Glass Technician may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Alignment and Brakes Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Auto Body Collision and Damage Repairer
  • Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic
  • Glazier and Metal Mechanic
  • Motive Power Parts Person
  • Tire, Wheel and Rim Technician

For more information on this trade, check out the Automotive Industries Association of Canada at: www.aiacanada.com