Signmaker

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the International Sign Association UK for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

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

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

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

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.