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Sign maker

Alternative titles for this job include

Sign makers design, make and install signs for buildings, roads, vehicles and exhibition displays.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Sign maker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:

  • computer-aided design
  • graphic design
  • art and design
  • engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do the Signage Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to get into this career.

This will normally take 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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 can apply for jobs directly. It may be useful to have GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent qualifications, in subjects like design and technology or art and design. English, maths and ICT would also be helpful.

You might have an advantage if you have experience and qualifications in:

  • computer numerical control (CNC) machining
  • welding
  • laser cutting
  • printing and reprographics

More Information

Career tips

If you're going to work as a sign installer, it may be helpful to get a Powered Access Licence, which would allow you to operate a mobile aerial platform. Some employers might put you through the licence course as part of your training.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence
  • be able to cope with working at height

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 sign maker or sign installer, you could:

  • create designs, lettering and graphics using computer software
  • program machines to cut, shape and mould materials for signs
  • print and finish artwork and lettering on digital printers and laminators
  • assemble signs, including metalwork, lighting and vinyl prints
  • install signs on site, sometimes working from elevated platforms
  • use traditional hand-painting and retouching techniques for some jobs

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time, physically demanding and dusty.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become:

  • a workshop supervisor or manager
  • an estimator, process planner or quality technician in a larger company
  • self-employed, either independently or as part of a franchise

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Signage Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Carlington Court, Factory Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne

Large format apprentice

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: HORSPATH IND EST, COWLEY, OXFORD
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Award in Graphic Design

  • Provider: KENDAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 January 2025
  • Location: Kendal

Graphic Design Level 1

  • Provider: On Course South West
  • Start date: 07 November 2024
  • Location: Plymouth
Find courses near you

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