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Window fabricator

Alternative titles for this job include Fenestration fabricator, window manufacturer, window maker

Window fabricators make glazed windows, doors, glass panels and curtain walls for homes and businesses.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£26,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a window fabricator

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an intermediate apprenticeship in window manufacturing or fenestration fabrication.

You could find an apprenticeship with a company that makes glazed items for homeowners or for business and industrial customers.

Employers will set their own entry requirements but are likely to expect that you have an understanding of maths for working from plans and doing simple calculations.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

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

More Information

Work

You could begin as a general production operative or labourer with a window manufacturer and work your way up. There are courses you can do while working to help you get into more skilled fabrication jobs.

You could also start as a window fitter and move into fabrication work.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers set their own entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills for measuring along with good practical skills.

Experience of general manufacturing and trades like window fitting or joinery may also be useful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can get more information on careers in window fabrication and fenestration from Building Our Skills.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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 this job you could:

  • make and glaze frames for items like windows, conservatories, screens or curtain walling
  • work with materials like UPVC, aluminium, steel or wood
  • read and interpret computer-aided drawings and plans
  • measure and mark out
  • set up machinery and equipment
  • use hand, power and machine tools to drill, cut and assemble frames
  • install glass into frames and add fittings like handles and locks
  • clean, inspect and package finished products
  • load and unload delivery vehicles
  • complete paperwork, including job sheets and quality assurance documents
  • go on site to do surveys, help with fitting or do quality control

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically active.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into supervisory, quality control or management positions. You could work in other types of manufacturing or go into product sales.

You could move into jobs where you might go on site to help fix problems with fenestration products, or do surveys for customers looking to buy new ones, like conservatories.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Fenestration Fabricator Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,641.60 Annually
  • Location: Feltwell Road, Hockwold, Thetford.

Apprentice uPVC Fabricator

  • Wage: £13,062.40 Annually
  • Location: EAST CHORLEY BUSINESS CENTRE, EAST WAY, CHORLEY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a window fabricator?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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