Auto glass technicians are in high demand across the nation, with projected growth in the career field continuing over the next 10 years. As more auto body shops and vehicle modification shops are beginning to offer auto glass repair and replacement services in an attempt to be a one-stop shop, the job potential is continuously expanding. At Jet Black Tint and Glass, our glass technicians start out with little to no previous experience and advance with skill and training to become location managers and even shop owners. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at what it takes to get started in a rewarding career and what potential it holds for your future.
An auto glass technician is a specialist who works on the installation and replacement of vehicle windows. In this career field, your job duties and responsibilities may include the repair and replacement of windshields, rear windows, side windows, sunroofs, or other glass components on vehicles. At Jet Black Tint and Glass in the Bay Area, our glass technicians are able to enjoy a variety of job roles and expand their skills in other areas including tint installation. Let’s take a look at where to begin.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Entry into the auto repair field requires a high school diploma or GED, even if you have no plans for further education. For high school students looking to begin their training, some California trade schools and technical high schools offer courses in auto glass repair and replacement. If you never completed high school, a GED is an option for you to wrap up your basic education and begin to advance in the working class. Basic reading and math skills are a requirement for auto glass work and can set you up for longevity in the field. Not sure where to get your GED? Check out these California resources.
Earn My GED https://ged.com/policies/california/
Step 2: Take Courses in Glass Repair
Independent courses in glass repair are also available through community colleges and vocational schools in collaboration with the National Glass Association (NGA) and through such organizations as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). These courses offer familiarization with the properties of glass, removal and installation methods, tools, adhesives, and glass safety standards. Some programs include a short internship to help you establish yourself while others are self-paced and self-guided. Find the right program for you to get started on certification.
City College of San Francisco: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-technology
Contra Costa College: https://www.contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/automotive-collision-repair/
Step 3: Find a Job
Auto repair shops are the main employers of glass technicians, but there are a variety of options including car dealerships and auto enhancement shops. The average median annual salary of auto glass installers and repairers in California is 44,200, with opportunity for growth. At Jet Black Tint and Glass, we have more than 14 California locations and are always looking for skilled glass technicians. We offer competitive pay and benefits, along with a variety of growth opportunities and lateral training options. If you’re not already a certified glass technician, we can help get you there.
What Your Glass Technician Role Looks Like at JBT
Auto Glass Technician Responsibilities:
- Using primer to prime all damaged areas of windshields and car windows.
- Weatherproofing glass by applying a chemical treatment to the outer surfaces and installing rubber weather seals around glass edges.
- Removing moldings, wipers, screws, bolts, and clips before glass installation and repairs and replacing after completion.
- Injecting resin into small chips or cracks and heating the damaged areas.
- Identifying issues that may affect glass installation, such as rust or vehicle body damage or warping.
- Removing all dirt and debris from windshields and windows before beginning repair, replacement, or film application.
- Using clips, moldings, and adhesives to affix custom-cut glass to vehicles.
Auto Glass Technician Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Certification in automotive glass repair and installation through the National Glass Association (NGA) is preferred and. Use be completed prior to working.
- Proven experience working as an auto glass technician is a plus.
- Sound knowledge of auto glass repair and installation techniques.
- Strong mechanical skills.
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, as well as the ability to stand for long periods of time and lift more than 40 pounds.
- Effective communication skills. Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred, but not required.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- An eager self-starter.
Beyond Glass
Becoming an auto glass technician affords you the skills to build a solid career in a variety of settings, but at Jet Black Tint and Glass, we offer so much more than glass repair and replacement job placement. Beyond glass, our full menu of services includes:
- Car window tinting — learn this skill at our Tint School!
- Commercial window tinting
- Vehicle tint removal
- Paint protection film installation
- Auto detailing services
- Headlight film and smoked taillights
- Security film installation,
- And more!
What this means for our employees is that there are so many opportunities to learn new skills and vary their day-to-day work experiences. We welcome every car enthusiast to apply with us because chances are, we can find the right role for you. With our tint school option and on-the-job training, we can help you achieve your career goals.
Your success is our success and we believe that our company is only as good as our best employees. We have the tools and resources to help you launch your career as a vehicle aesthetician or auto glass technician. If you are eager to make a living doing what you love, apply at your Bay Area Jet Black Tint and Glass to join the team today!
