Window Fitter
The Work
Window fitters install new or replacement windows and doors, conservatories
and glazed curtain walls in all types of property from commercial
premises to private households. They work with both traditional wooden-
or metal-framed products and also UPVC units. The windows and doors
may be single or double glazed units or may be in the form of secondary
glazing fitted inside existing windows. The work is usually carried
out by a team, often consisting of two people - a fitter and a 'mate'.
Fitters use hand and power tools to remove existing windows and insert
new ones.
A typical window fitting job involves removing old windows and doors and measuring up the space(s) to be fitted. Although fittings can be made-to-measure, commonly, standard-sized glazing units are used, so it may be necessary to slightly enlarge or reduce the space around the fitment. Fitters fix the windows and doors in place, ensuring they are level and secure. They then make the fitting weathertight by using sealants. All left over materials are disposed of and any damage to indoor plasterwork is made good. The work may also involve fitting weatherboarding.
Some fitters with extensive experience of complex work may be able to work on the repair and replacement of windows and glazing on historical buildings or monuments.
Fitters may also work in the manufacture of glazing units.
Hours and Conditions
Window fitters normally work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday, although overtime may be available to meet deadlines. They work on the inside and outside of buildings. To reach upper storeys, they work off ladders or scaffold, and work in all weather conditions. The work can be strenuous with some heavy lifting. Travel to and from sites will be necessary, so a driving licence may be essential.
Skills and Interests
To be a window fitter you should:
Training
As a new window fitter, you will be given a short training course
by your employer. This covers removing and fitting window frames,
health and safety, customer relations and relevant paper work. Afterwards,
you work alongside an experienced fitter.
Once employed, you can work towards NVQs / SVQs in Fenestration Installation at Level 2. Mandatory units cover areas such as health and safety. You also take optional units for:
Fenestration Installation and Surveying at Level 3 for more experienced staff includes similar units to level 2 but also more advanced units covering the diagnosis and rectification of technical faults, installation of more complex glass supporting systems, planning of resources and supervision of teams.
NVQs/SVQs in Glazing Installation and Maintenance at levels 2 and 3 are also available for window fitters but have options covering areas such as shaping glass for installations, applying treatments, securing premises in the event of emergencies, repair of glass and glazing installations, specialised architectural glazing and supervisory responsibilities.
For information on qualifications covering the manufacture of glass and glazing units, see Glazier.
Details on qualifications and training centres offering assessment for glazing and installation NVQs/SVQs are available from Glass Training Ltd and from the Glass Qualifications Authority. See contacts 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)
Opportunities
Window fitters work throughout the country. There are opportunities with large national firms and smaller companies employing a limited number of teams. It is possible to become self-employed; window fitting franchises may also be an option.
Experienced window fitters may be able to become window surveyors and / or estimators, visiting customers' premises, measuring up and offering quotations for new windows.
There are also opportunities within sales and marketing for this field.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually.
Trainee fitters earn up to £12,500 a year.
With qualifications, fitters can expect around £16,500.
Experienced window fitters with additional responsibilities may earn up to £20,000 a year.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Those self-employed negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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Glass Training Limited
Tel: 0114 263 2431
www.glass-training.co.uk
Glass Qualifications Authority Ltd
Tel: 0114 272 0033
www.glassqualificationsauthority.com
