Glazier onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: Glazier apprenticeship, NGA certification (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: glass cutters; suction cups; caulk guns; lifts
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Glazier training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Wear cut-resistant gloves
Use fall protection
Lift glass with help
Use suction cups
Shadow an experienced glazier through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: install a storefront glass panel
Supervised practice: cut glass cleanly
Supervised practice: run a weatherproof sealant joint
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Read plans: independently
Measure openings: independently
Cut glass: independently
Install frames: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, Glazier apprenticeship)
Discuss the career path: Apprentice → Journeyman Glazier → Foreman
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Install a Storefront Glass Panel
Cut Glass Cleanly
Run a Weatherproof Sealant Joint
Glass cutting
Frame installation
Curtain wall systems
Sealants

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks until the new hire works without close supervision
Recordable incidents and near-misses in the first 90 days
Rework caused by new-hire errors
Apprentice retention through year one

How Glazier training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Glazier Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Glazier Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Glazier Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Glazier Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)