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Shopfitter

Make and fit the woodwork or metalwork for shops, banks, offices, restaurants and bars.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£327

Entry level

£673

Experienced

Monthly

£1,417

Entry level

£2,917

Experienced

Yearly

£17,000

Entry level

£35,000

Experienced

18,200

people are currently employed

High growth

900 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would make and fit the woodwork or metalwork for shops, banks, offices, restaurants and bars.

You would also build and refurbish shop fronts, doorways and fixtures.

On most jobs you would work closely with other tradespeople such as tilers, electricians and plumbers.

You would:

  • Mark out and cut wood, metals, glass and plastics to make units and fittings in a workshop

  • Work out material amounts and costs, and prepare quotes for jobs

  • Prepare design plans for a contract

  • Measure and set out jobs on site, and put in the fixtures and fittings

  • Paint timber products

As an experienced shopfitter, you might work as a workshop manager or site supervisor, making sure that your team's work meets quality standards.

You would need to be aware of health and safety rules, and keep up to date with Building Regulations.

Hours

You would normally work around 40 hours a week, with overtime often available. In some cases, you may have to work through the night, where the work needs to be done with minimal disruption to a client's business.

Environment

You would spend most of your time indoors, in a construction workshop or on site. You may need to wear protective clothing like safety footwear, goggles and ear defenders.

Travel

Overnight stays away from home may be necessary on some contracts.

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Construction and built environment
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • time management
  • managing resources
  • implementing ideas
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • observation
  • working with numbers
  • designing
  • creative
  • verbal communication

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Engineering Science

  • Practical Craft Skills

  • Practical Electronics

  • Practical Metalwork

  • Practical Woodwork

  • Skills for Work: Construction Craft

  • Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role.

Entry is usually through a Modern Apprenticeship where you gain a relevant qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Wood Occupations (Construction): Shopfitting Site Work (SVQ levels 2/3). 

For this Modern Apprenticeship a lot of employers value a good general education including English and maths. Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You may need to pass an aptitude test.

You may move into this job after working in another trade such as carpentry and joinery, tiling or plastering.

Qualifications and experience that show practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).

You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.

A driving licence may be required for some jobs.

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