Glazing

Glazing is a crucial part of the rapidly growing building and construction industry. Glazing involves the cutting, installation and removal of glass and other materials used in a variety of different applications, such as windows, entrances, facades, ceilings and storefronts.

Some states grant specific glazing licences for this crucial sector of the building and construction industry, while others licence or register glaziers under the building contractor licence. A proper glazing licence is key to taking full advantage of a career in glazing, and to operate legally in your state or territory.

About the Glazing Licence

A glazing licence gives clients assurance of your skill and a guarantee of the standard of work they can expect. It is also a means for holding building practitioners accountable for their work.

While a glazing licence is not compulsory across parts of Australia, it is recommended that you receive accreditation through a state glazing association. Many such glazing associations share the same benefits and requirements of licensing.

Do I Really Need a Glazing Licence?

A glazing licence is beneficial for glaziers. It assures clients that you are a professional in the field and it allows you to operate legally and freely within your state or territory.

Essentially, the credibility a licence provides will open the door to lucrative employment opportunities.

Applying for a Glazing Licence

Each state has specific requirements regarding the qualifications you need to practice your trade. Firstly, find out if the state in which you want to work issues a specific glazing licence, and find out the requirements. In most cases, you will need to meet the qualifications the state requires of building practitioners.

In most states, a nationally recognised MSF30413 Certificate III in Glass & Glazing (specialising in Glazing) or LMF30611 qualification from a registered training organisation (RTO) or an equivalent qualification will be sufficient. Most often, the following successfully completed qualifications will also suffice:

• Certificate III in Glass, Flat, TAFE course #0109
• Certificate III in Glass and Glazing, TAFE course #2135
• LMF30602 Certificate III in Glass & Glazing
• TAFE Qualification 5792 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing, Trade TAFE course #7958

Most of the qualifications above would require not only glass installation experience, but also manufacturing. Therefore, you should be familiar with the operations within a glass production or manufacturing facility.

Highly experienced individuals who do not have the above qualifications from TAFE, RTOs, or schools, may consider a glazing apprenticeship under a licensed glazier, or pursue an equivalent qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL takes into account your existing skills and experience to help save time, effort and money, while fast tracking your qualification process. It is ideal for individuals who are already working in the industry.

Glazing Licence in Western Australia (WA)

While Western Australia does not issue a specific glazing licence, all building-related work exceeding $20,000 must be performed by licensed building practitioners and state registered contractors.

Although you don't need a glazing licence to operate, membership of the Australian Glass and Glazing Association and Glass and Window Association of Western Australia is highly recommended.