Windscreen fitter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair, which may help when looking for work.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an automotive glazing technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

There are no set entry requirements when applying directly for vacancies, but experience in the motor trade as a mechanic or body repairer would be helpful.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• administration skills
• knowledge of English language
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• business management skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• practical skills for installing equipment
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Windscreen fitters repair and replace damaged glass on cars, vans, buses and lorries.

Day to day, you could:

• drive to meet the customer or welcome them to the workshop
• assess the damage to glass
• advise the customer on repair options
• repair small chips in glass with resin
• disconnect electrical wiring, like window controls on larger jobs
• remove trims from around windows
• remove and replace damaged glass
• record work details for each job
• process payments

Location : You could work in a fast-fit centre, at a car dealership, at a client's business, at a client's home or on call-out to wherever the car owner is.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and involve using chemicals.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 47 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call as customers demand

Career Path:

With more training you could become a vehicle mechanic, breakdown engineer or workshop supervisor.

You could also start your own windscreen repair company.