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Shopfitter

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 50 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

College

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

Courses include:

  • shopfitting bench joinery
  • construction operations
  • carpentry and joinery
  • T Level in Onsite Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, such as:

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

These apprenticeships take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and learning in the classroom.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You may be able to work as a shopfitter's labourer to build up your experience, and apply to join an apprenticeship with your employer's support.

Direct Application

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

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the National Association of Shopfitters for professional development and to make contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in shopfitting from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a shopfitter you could:

  • mark out and cut wood, metal, glass and plastic to make units and fittings in a workshop
  • follow design instructions and measure up jobs on site
  • provide estimates for materials, labour and timescales
  • install units, counters, panels and frames, using hand and power tools
  • fit new shop fronts and signage
  • work on site with other tradespeople, like tilers and electricians
  • prepare bids and quotes for new work

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped, dusty, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

You could become a contract manager or shopfitting designer, after further training.

You might also set up your own shopfitting business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Carpenter

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: GREAT SHELFORD, CAMBRIDGE

Interior Systems Installer (Drylining) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: Morris Walk North,, Pett Street,, Woolwich,
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma In Bench Joinery Level 3

  • Provider: HUGH BAIRD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Liverpool

Carpentry & Joinery Level 3 Diploma - 1 year day release

  • Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hereford
Find courses near you

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