Why the Glazing Industry Must Embrace Skills-First Hiring

The glazing industry is under pressure to deliver complex projects on time to a high standard, but as demand for skilled professionals keeps growing, the talent pool isn’t keeping up. Too many businesses still rely on traditional hiring approaches that demand years of glazing-specific experience for senior roles, when skills-first hiring is what’s actually needed. 

Talented project managers, estimators, and skilled trades professionals are being overlooked because they don’t tick every traditional box. In today’s competitive market, that mindset is one of the biggest threats to sustainable growth. It’s time for glazing businesses to think differently about where their next generation of talent will come from and how skills-first hiring can bridge the gap. 

In this article, we explore how a skills-first hiring approach can help glazing businesses tackle today’s talent shortage, with practical insights and perspectives from industry expert Max Perilstein throughout. 

Explore our 2025 U.S. Glazing Recruitment Outlook to discover the industry’s current trends, leading companies, and talent insights. 

The Glazing Industry’s Growing Talent Shortage 

Glazing talent acquisition is currently the biggest challenge facing businesses in the industry as it tackles an ageing workforce, increasing project complexity, and a new generation that knows very little about what glazing careers can offer. 

“The reality is it’s really hard to find people, so there’s a big push for internal training and how AI fits into that,” Max told CSG Talent. “There are businesses with really good AI approaches that can help with tasks like estimating and project managing, so that could be a really interesting step as it progresses and matures.” 

From estimating and project delivery to commercial management and site supervision, glazing businesses need people with the right skillsets to keep projects on track, but they’re hard to find. Although new technologies, automation, and AI will ease some pressure in the immediate future, they’re no replacement for talent that can bring fresh perspectives and skillsets from other industries. 

Why Traditional Hiring Attitudes Hold Companies Back 

Despite growing skills gaps, many glazing businesses still rely on a rigid approach when recruiting senior professionals. Instead of hiring based on core skills and investing in training, they have stuck with the mindset that only candidates with years of glazing-specific experience are worth considering, even for roles where broader project or commercial management skills matter more. 

“The frustrating reality is that strong, motivated candidates do exist, but too often they’re turned away before they ever get a chance to prove themselves. Great project managers and estimators from other industries are eager to get into the glazing industry because they’re seeing great progress and want to be involved. But the barrier seems to be a lot of these companies aren’t willing to take the chance because of previous bad experiences. This mindset needs to change, and that’s happening slightly, but there will always be the traditionalists in the industry. Companies need to look outside of the box, or they’re going to run out of people.” 

This reluctance has become one of the industry’s biggest barriers to growth and changing that mindset is key for future-proofing the workforce. 

How Skills-First Hiring Transforms Glazing Recruitment 

One disappointing hire sometimes makes businesses stick to what feels safe. But skills-first hiring isn’t about taking risks, it’s about recognising where skills can be transferred and talent can be supported to develop their glazing industry expertise through training and development. 

“There are many education channels out there that weren't 10 years ago, so I don't think it’s a good excuse anymore to be concerned about a candidate because they don’t have relevant glass experience. I think if a person has the skillset to be a project manager, an estimator, or any of those important roles, you should be hiring and training them. If they’ve got the skills to be a project manager, it’s easier to teach them glass than vice versa. A project manager can make or break everything a company does, so if they have the skills as a project manager, teach them glass.” 

Companies willing to do this will bridge skills gaps faster, strengthen teams long-term, and stand out as an employer that recognises adaptable talent. 

Attracting the Next Generation of Glazing Talent 

Skills-first hiring makes the glazing industry more appealing and accessible for the future workforce. As new technology transforms how glazing projects are designed and delivered, businesses need people who can adapt quickly and bring fresh perspectives. 

“Efficiency largely comes with internal training and growing your workforce. It’s increasingly about going to schools, colleges, and universities to talk about how great the glazing industry is and educating them. If you look at some of the new technology out there, like on-site robots, it’s basically like playing a games console, except you’re moving this robot around to help install curtain walls. I think people could use the skills they learn playing Xbox or PlayStation on a job site, and that’s part of the future that we need to figure out.” 

This is where a skills-first mindset works, as a candidate who understands robotics, digital modelling, or AI won’t have years of glazing experience, but they have transferable skills that can quickly fill gaps. 

How to Succeed in Skill-First Hiring 

The glazing companies making real progress build skills-first hiring into their culture and recruitment processes. They know that this approach to hiring sets them apart in a competitive market. 

Forward-thinking businesses like Ace Glass are proving this approach works. By recruiting people with strong core skills from general contracting or manufacturing, they’re building and retaining reliable workforces. 

To succeed in skills-first hiring, start by rethinking job specifications. Instead of demanding years of glazing experience, search for an organised, capable leader with the right mindset, communication skills, and commitment to learn. By focusing on these core attributes, you will gain access to a much wider talent pool that can be trained quickly and effectively. Structured onboarding and clear development pathways are crucial for this. Bringing in someone from another sector isn’t a risk if you have the tools and people in place to share glazing expertise from day one. 

Forward-thinking companies also look beyond their immediate talent pool by building partnerships with schools, colleges, and universities. It’s important to show young people why glazing is an exciting, rewarding career path, so sharing career examples and success stories helps position you as an employer willing to invest in potential. This ultimately raises the profile and perception of the industry with talent pools who have limited awareness of potential career paths in glazing. 

Most importantly, you should work with a glazing executive search partner who understands how to identify transferable skills others may overlook. The right partner can help you reach diverse talent pools and secure candidates with the skills and attitude to thrive in your glazing business, even if they don't have a traditional glazing background. 

Glazing Recruitment Experts at CSG Talent 

At CSG Talent, we connect leading glazing firms with high-calibre talent across curtain wall, façade engineering, and architectural glass installation. Our in-depth industry knowledge and expansive talent network enable us to deliver tailored glazing recruitment solutions that support complex builds and evolving client demands. Our building materials recruitment experts specialise in placing senior professionals who drive innovation and streamline glazing projects across North America.  

Contact CSG Talent today to discover how our executive search expertise can strengthen your glazing recruitment and support your next project. 

For further insights from Max Perilstein, listen to the recent episode of Conversations of CSG: Standout Glazing Trends, Skills Gaps, and Skills First Hiring