Shopfitter
The Work
Shopfitters produce and install shopfronts and entrances and fit out the interiors of shops and stores. They also construct and install exterior and interior fittings for other buildings such as banks, offices, restaurants and bars.
They may work:
Hours and Conditions
The basic working week would usually be 39 hours, but overtime is often available. In some cases it may be necessary to work through the night, especially on re-fits where work needs to be carried out when the premises are closed.
Shopfitters work indoors, either in a workshop or on-site.
Working with timber creates dust, although workshops may have extraction systems. Joiners, machinists and metal fabricators may need to wear basic safety equipment, such as safety helmets and protective footwear. They may also use goggles and ear defenders.
Site work will involve travel, and the possible requirement to work away from home for varying periods of time. A driving licence may be useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a shopfitter you should:
Training
Most people train by finding work with an employer, learning practical skills on-the-job and working towards NVQs / SVQs at levels 2 and 3 in Shopfitting (Bench Work), Shopfitting (Sitework) and Shopfitting (Non-ferrous Metal Fabrication).
A three-year Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is open to people aged between 16-25 in England and Wales, or a four-year apprenticeship in Scotland, registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council. Entrants are registered by an employer and earn a wage at the same time as following a structured training programme. For details see CITB - Construction Skills below.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
The Shopfitting Industry Group Training Association (SIGTA) provide specialised courses ranging from craft level to senior management.
With suitable experience, responsibilities and aptitude it may be possible to undertake NVQ Level 4 in Site Management and NVQ Level 5 in Contract Management.
Opportunities
Shopfitters usually work for specialist shopfitting companies.
It is possible to progress to supervisory or managerial roles, or to transfer from workshop to site. Having gained sufficient experience, some shopfitters go into business for themselves.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Rates of pay vary. Some employers work in conjunction with the Construction Industry Joint Council’s Working Rule Agreement, which gives guidelines for pay, but many pay over and above this.
Further Information
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Shopfitting Industry Group Training Association
Tel: 0115 921 7562
www.ldb.co.uk/sigta.shtml
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
National Association of Shopfitters
Tel: 01883 624 961
www.shopfitters.org
The Institute of Shopfitting
Tel: 0115 949 0641
www.central-office.co.uk/ios
