Job Description

A shop fitter will install fixtures and fittings in offices, shops, restaurants, bars and more. They will have to work to deadlines to complete the work in time for the premises to open, this may mean working nights and weekends.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You can take a construction course at college to learn some of the skills needed for this job.

You may need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) including English and/or maths for a Level 3

The following local colleges offer courses in Construction:

• City College Norwich
• The College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk College

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You can start as a junior shopfitter through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in construction building wood occupations, or in construction specialist interior systems.

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct Application

You may be able to apply directly for a job as a shopfitter if you've got experience in one of the construction trades, for example tiling or carpentry and joinery.

Employers may also want you to have some GCSEs in subjects like maths, English, and design and technology.

Career Tips

You may need a Shopfitting and Interior Contracting Competency Scheme(SICCS) card to work on some jobs.

You can find out more about careers in shopfitting from Go Construct.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could move into a supervisory role, like chargehand or foreperson.

You could become a works manager, contract manager or shopfitting designer after further training, or set up your own shopfitting business.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Carpenter
• Tiler
• Electrician
• Interior designer

Required Skills

• Good practical skills
• Ability to work as part of a team or on your own initiative
• Good numerical skills
• Ability to follow technical drawings and plans
• Attention to detail
• Reasonable level of fitness

Salary Range

£13,500 to £30,000