Andrew Synot is a new Certified Glazier and proud of it. He is also one of the first to earn his living using rope access (abseiling) techniques!
Over the years, Andrew has worked for several domestic glazing companies, focusing on hack outs, showers and splashbacks. Due to various circumstances, he didn’t complete his apprenticeship as a young glazier, but when the time was right some years later he applied for Recognition of Prior Learning and was successful in receiving his glazing qualification.
Andrew decided to focus on commercial glazing, identifying a niche market, using the method of rope access (abseiling). He then completed the Rope Access Level One course in North Melbourne and was shortly after, hired as a glazier at Wayne’s High Access.
Wayne’s High Access is the primary rope access glazing company in Melbourne and Sydney, and working for them has allowed Andrew to travel Australia and hone his skills.
Rope access is a high-level skill, and Andrew is concerned that some glaziers may ‘have a go’ without formal training. So he is trying to change the culture, and has just completed writing standard operating procedures for staff to be trained and signed off, once competent in rope access skills.
Andrew has gone on to achieve his Level Three Supervisor’s Ticket in rope access, which is the highest level, and is now Manager of Glass and Glazing at Wayne’s High Access.
Andrew says, ‘Recently, I was made aware of the Master Glaziers program through AGGA. I was made a Certified Glazier (a very proud moment), and will be striving to achieve Master Glazier status when the time comes in my career. I believe the CPD points system is a great initiative, and I’ve already booked into courses to start next month.’
Wayne’s High Access has also started an apprenticeship program and has signed up their first rope access glazing apprentice.
They are looking for more to expand the Apprenticeship program.
Wayne’s High Access was impressed with the Master Glazier program, and has now become an AGGA Victoria State Member.