Shopfitter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You can take a construction course at college to learn some of the skills needed for this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Shopfitting Bench Joinery
• Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations
• Level 2 Extended Diploma In Site Carpentry
• T Level in On Site Construction

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can start as a junior shopfitter through a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, such as:

• Fitted Interiors Installer
• Interior Systems Installer
• Carpentry and Joinery

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply directly for a job as a shopfitter if you've got experience in one of the construction trades, for example tiling or carpentry and joinery.

Employers may also look for some GCSEs in subjects like maths, English, and design and technology.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• design skills and knowledge
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• observation and recording skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to operate and control equipment

What you'll do:

Shopfitters make and install fixtures and fittings in offices, restaurants, shops and bars.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• mark out and cut wood, metal, glass and plastic to make units and fittings in a workshop
• estimate material quantities and costs
• prepare tenders and quotes for jobs
• prepare or follow design plans
• measure and set out jobs on site
• install units, frames and shopfronts with hand and power tools
• work with other tradespeople on site like tilers and electricians

Location : You could work at a client's business or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped, you'll travel often, outdoors some of the time, dusty and at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is nights away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into a supervisory role, like chargehand or foreperson.

You could become a contract manager or shopfitting designer with further training. You could also set up your own shopfitting business.