A clear choice of job; Careers in glazing.

What does a career as a glazier involve? As a glazier you would install glass panes in homes and businesses, for example fitting double glazing on a house or installing windows in a new office development. You would also carry out glass repairs.

On a glass replacement project, you would select the correct glass for the purpose, for example plate glass to go in a shop front or toughened security glass for a bank; remove the old or broken panes; fit the new glass and make the fitting watertight.

As well as fitting glass, you could work in the manufacture of glazed units, such as timber or UPVC-framed windows and doors.

What personal skills are needed? You need the ability to follow drawings and plans, plus good practical skills and a careful and If you can follow plans accurately and have a methodical approach to work, a career in glazing may appeal. Emma Thompson found out more methodical approach to work.

The ability to take accurate measurements for glass cutting is essential, as well as good maths skills for making calculations and an awareness of safety issues, particularly when working at heights.

What training do you need? You do not need any specific qualifications, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, you could work as a glazier's assistant (mate) or labourer to gain site experience.

A college course, such as a Construction Award, would teach you some of the skills needed for the job.

You may be able to get into this career through an apprenticeship scheme with a glazing or building fir m.

What are the opportunities for career progression? Once you start working, you could take qualifications such as the NVQ in Glazing at levels 2 and 3. The NVQ has options in shaping and cutting glass, installation, and health and safety, plus optional units including fitting glass stairs and floors; security glazing; shop fronts; and overhead installations, for example glass roofing.

You could also take the foundation degree in Glass Manufacturing Management, offered by Wakefield College in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University.

Many building contractors now insist that you have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on their sites.

What is the salary? (Guideline only) Starting at pounds 12,000, with qualifications up to pounds 20,000, experienced up to pounds 23,000.

More information. Construction Skills Certification Scheme, www.cscs.uk.com. Glass Training Limited, www.glass-training.co.uk. Jobs not necessarily available.