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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)

£17,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

nights away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a shopfitter

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

You may need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can start as a junior shopfitter through an intermediate apprenticeship in interior systems, or an advanced apprenticeship for carpenters and joiners.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the National Association of Shopfitters.

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:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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

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

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped, you'll travel often, outdoors some of the time, dusty and at height.

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 foreperson.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Joinery Apprentice Level 3

  • Wage: £14,400.00 Annually
  • Location: Wynyard, Billingham

Interior Partition / Glazing Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Bench Joinery

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Hull

Bench Joinery

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich
Find courses near you

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