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Window fitter

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Construction and building
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Career outlook for window fitter

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£16,000

Experienced

£27,000

Currently employed in Scotland

500

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 install windows, doors and other glass surfaces to brighten up people's homes and businesses.

You would:

  • Remove old windows and doors with hand and power tools
  • Measure the space(s) for the new windows or doors
  • Fix the glass in place, making sure it is safe and level
  • Seal the fittings to protect against the weather
  • Clean away leftover materials and fix any damage to timber or plaster

You would normally be helped by a fitter's ‘mate’.

You might work with traditional wooden- and metal-framed products as well as modern UPVC units. You could also learn the special skills needed to repair and replace windows in old buildings.

As well as fitting windows on site, you may sometimes work on making the glass sheets. You’d need an awareness of safe working practices when handling glass.

Working conditions

Hours

You would work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with possible overtime when necessary.

Environment

You would work both indoors and outside, using ladders or scaffolding to reach the upper storeys of buildings. The work can be physically demanding, with heavy lifting involved.

Travel

You would normally need a driving licence and access to a van to move equipment from job to job.

UK employment status

Full-time

68%

Part-time

0%

Self employed

32%

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

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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

You can enter a Modern Apprenticeship and gain a relevant work-based qualification such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Glass Industry Occupations (SCQF Level 5/6). You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.

You do not always need formal qualifications but National 4 or National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5) would be helpful. 

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • A technologies subject

You will also need

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

A driving licence is useful and often essential.

Helpful to have

Relevant qualifications and experience in carpentry or other crafts such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).