Window fitter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards the role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could start by taking a college course in construction or joinery. These courses would teach you some of the skills you need in this job and may help you when looking for a trainee position with a glazing company.

Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 1 Award in Carpentry and Joinery

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job by doing a fenestration installer intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

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

Work

You could be taken on by a glazing company as a fitter's assistant or 'mate' and learn on the job by working with an experienced fitter.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become a window fitter. There are no set entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills to measure and work out dimensions. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Experience in carpentry and joinery may be helpful.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• knowledge of maths
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• leadership skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes

What you'll do:

Window fitters install windows, conservatories and glazed curtain walls in homes and businesses.

In this job, you would:

• measure up where new glazed units will go
• remove old windows, doors and panels, using hand and power tools
• fix new windows, doors and glazed panels into place
• readjust surrounding timber or brickwork to make sure fittings are secure
• seal fitted units to make them weatherproof
• add trims or special finishes
• clear away leftover building materials
• issue a work completion certificate to the property owner

Location : You could work at a client's home or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £27,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You could become a site supervisor, window surveyor or estimator, or move into glazing sales and marketing.

You could also set up your own business or take up a window fitting franchise.