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 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’.

A typical window fitting job involves removing old windows and doors with hand and power tools, and measuring up the space(s) to be fitted. Although fittings can be made-to-measure, more 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, making sure they are level and secure. They then make the fitting weathertight by using sealants. All leftover 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.

Some fitters work in the manufacture of glazing units. For details, see the profile for Glazier.

Hours and Environment

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, fitters work from 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 needed.

Skills and Interests

To be a window fitter you should:

• pay care and attention to safe working practices, especially when handling glass
• have a pleasant and polite manner with customers
• have good manual skills
• be able to make measurements and calculate adjustments to fit frames
• be able to work alone and as part of a small team
• be physically fit
• be comfortable working at heights
• have the ability to plan and organise work in order to meet completion deadlines.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements, but some employers may look for some GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English, and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction.

Often, entry is by direct employment with a glazing company. Apprenticeship training may be available depending on the employer. See Training section for details.

Previous experience in carpentry and joinery, may be helpful in gaining an initial position as a fitter's 'mate'.

Training

As a new window fitter, you will be given a short training course by your employer. It will cover the removal and fitting of 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:

• taking measurements and specifications for installation requirements
• preparing apertures and work area prior to installation
• preparing and fitting of glass supporting systems
• installing glass panels, door and window units.

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.

Details about qualifications and training centres offering assessment for glazing and installation NVQs/SVQs are available from Glass Training Ltd and from the Glass Qualifications Authority. Glass Training Ltd also offers information on short professional development courses for employees. See the contacts in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and 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.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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

Suite 28
The Quadrant
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WG
Tel: 0114 227 0070 Tel: 0870 417 8777 Provincial House
Solly Street
Sheffield
S1 4BA
Tel: 0114 272 0033 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577 Tel: 0870 8505262