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Signmaker

Signmakers design, make and fit signs for commercial and non-commercial use.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become a signmaker

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. Relevant subjects include the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Signmaking.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course

More information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in signmaking.

This will usually take 1 year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate 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 might also be helpful.

It will also be useful if you have experience or qualifications in CNC machining, printing or reprographics.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Sign & Graphics Association for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a driving licence

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

  • designing signs using computer software
  • measuring and calculating letter and logo sizes
  • making glass fibre letters from moulds
  • cutting out and shaping materials into letters, logos and 3D shapes
  • printing out signs or designs on digital printers
  • applying paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller
  • hand-painting lettering (in traditional signmaking)
  • bending glass into shape and fitting basic electrical wiring (if making illuminated or animated signs)
  • cutting sign frames from aluminium
  • installing signs on site
  • dealing with paperwork and administration

Working environment

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

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager. 

You could specialise in different areas within the industry, working as an estimator, process planner or quality technician.

You could become self-employed, either independently or as part of a franchise.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Sign Maker Apprentice

  • Wage : £117.00 Weekly
  • Location: Reading RG7 1TB

Sign Making Apprentice

  • Wage : £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Barnsley S71 3HT
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 3 Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork

  • Provider: Herefordshire & Ludlow College
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: Hereford

Welding & light metalwork

  • Provider: LBHF
  • Start date: 30 April 2019
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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