shopfitter

The work

Shopfitters make and install the fixtures and fittings in shops and stores, and construct and fit shopfronts, dooways and entrances. They also refurbish other premises such as banks, offices, restaurants and bars.

Their duties vary depending on the job but can include:

• working as a joiner, wood machinist or metal fabricator in a workshop, selecting, marking out and shaping wood, metals, glass and plastics to make units and fittings
• estimating material quantities and costs, and preparing tenders for the clients
• preparing scaled and full-size drawings of the components for the contract
• setting out jobs, and installing fixtures and fittings on site.

Experienced shopfitters may act as workshop managers with responsibility to make sure that products are made on time and meet quality standards.

Shopfitters work closely with other tradespeople like tilers, electricians and plumbers.

Hours and Environment

Shopfitters work 39 hours a week with overtime is often available. In some cases, it may be necessary to work through the night, especially on re-fits where the work needs to be carried out with minimal disruption to the business.

As a shopfitter, you work indoors in a construction workshop or on site. If you work as a joiner, machinist or metal fabricator, you will need to wear protective clothing such as safety footwear, goggles and ear defenders.

Sitework will involve travel, and possibly working away from home for varying periods.

Skills and Interests

To be a shopfitter you need:

• good practical skills
• the ability to work quickly and pay close attention to detail
• good numeracy skills to take measurements and work out quantities
• the ability to follow technical drawings, plans and written or verbal instructions
• an awareness of safety issues
• a reasonable level of fitness
• good teamworking skills
• a commitment to keep up to date with building regulations.

You wil need draughting and IT skills if you are involved in producing designs and estimating.

Entry

To work as a shopfitter, you normally need a background in one of the construction trades, for example, carpentry and joinery to get into this job. For details about entry requirements for specific trades, see the job profiles Carpenter / Joiner, Wood Machinist, Tiler and Plasterer.

You may be able to start as an apprentice with a shopfitting or building firm. Some employers may look for GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology.

Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

You can take broader college-based training courses in the construction crafts, which are open to all ages. These will teach you some of the skills needed for the job, although employers may still want to see some work experience. Some of the main courses include:

• Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction
• Edexcel First Diploma in Construction
• City & Guilds Certificate in Basic Construction Skills (6211-6216)
• Foundation/Intermediate/Advanced Construction Award.

ConstructionSkills and the National Association of Shopfitters ( in Further Information) have information about shopfitting training and qualifications; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

Once you are working as a shopfitter, you continue to train on the job. You can take NVQs/SVQs in Wood Occupations (Shopfitting) at Level 2, and Wood Occupations (Shopfitting Bench Work or Shopfitting Sitework) at Level 3.

The Shopfitting Industry Group Training Association (SITGA) offers specialised training for shopfitters, including contract law, estimating and site management. They also offer a free shopfitting careers brochure and have a section listing colleges running shopfitting qualifications. See the SITGA website in Further Information.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
By 2010, workers in the construction sector must hold a CSCS card or register with an affiliated scheme. Many construction firms and their clients already insist that workers hold a relevant card to work on site. To receive a card, you must hold an NVQ/SVQ or acceptable equivalent and pass a health and safety assessment.

Your card will be graded according to your qualifications and experience. If you are an experienced worker without formal qualifications, you can use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your card.

For details about the CSCS scheme, gradings, equivalent qualifications and applications, contact CSCS or SkillsDirect. See the ConstructionSkills website for more information about the health and safety test, training providers, OSAT and EWPA.

Opportunities

Shopfitters usually work for specialist shopfitting companies and opportunities are good. Demand for skilled tradespeople in construction is on the increase, particularly in the wood occupations, so there will opportunities in other areas of the industry.

With experience, you can progress to supervisory jobs, such as chargehand or foreperson, and with further training, works manager, contracts manager or designer.

If you have the right experience and contacts, you may be able to set up your own shopfitting business.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants start between £13,500 and £16,000 a year.
Qualified shopfitters earn between £17,000 and £21,000 a year.
Shopfitters with supervisory responsibilities can earn over £22,000.

Further information

Tel: 0870 8505262 CITB-ConstructionSkills
National Specialist Office
Charnwood Wing
Holywell Park
Ashby Road
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3GJ 411 Limpsfield Road
Warlingham
Surrey
CR6 9HA
Tel: 01883 624 961 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577 Tel: 0870 417 8777

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