Shopfitter

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Construction and building
Produce

Career outlook for shopfitter

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£17,000

Experienced

£35,000


Currently employed in Scotland

18,300

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it 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.

Working conditions

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.

UK employment status

Full-time

40%

Part-time

1%

Self employed

59%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Verbal communication
  • Creative
  • Designing
  • Working with numbers
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Implementing ideas
  • Managing resources
  • Time management

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

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.

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Technologies
  • Graphic communication

You will also need

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.

Helpful to have

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