Shopfitter

Shopfitters construct the interiors of shops and other commercial buildings, such as hotels and museums. They may also install shop fronts. Shopfitters use a range of materials, for example, wood, sheet materials, glass, metals and plastic. Time is spent in the workshop making bespoke furniture and also installing the finished article on-site.

Also known as:

Carpenter - shopfitter
Joiner - shopfitter

Work activities

Shopfitters are employed in a specialist sector of the construction industry which involves the fitting out or refitting of bespoke fittings in retail premises, non-retail and leisure facilities. The work is mainly inside but can also involve some exterior fittings and improvements. Designers and clients work closely with shopfitters in the surveying, measuring and the preparation of the detailed design drawings. This involves up-to-date IT skills or using computer aided design (CAD) software. Shopfitting covers a wide variety of different trades all under the one name.

Other titles used include:

Setter out
Shopfitter - joiner
Site fixer

Shopfitters who are trained to bench joinery standard make a range of articles such as counters, partitions, worktops, shelving and seating. They work with a variety of different materials, such as wood, glass (including double glazing), Perspex and plastic. Metals, such as aluminium, are also used. The setter out produces a drawing to illustrate materials to be used and how the bench joiner should put together the piece of bespoke furniture. These are transported to the site where they are installed according to the overall design or plan. Site fixers provide the final touches, such as adding handles and decorative fittings or adding special finishes to surfaces. For all these tasks, a range of hand tools are used, but more often shopfitters operate at the cutting edge of technology with the use of CNC machines.

Work environments are compliant with up-to-date health and safety legislation. Shopfitters need to be aware of current safety procedures when using equipment and machinery. Protective clothing should also be worn, such as goggles, ear protectors and boots. Shopfitters sometimes work at heights.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you will need:

Good hand skills.
To work quickly and accurately under pressure, as much of the work is done to a deadline.
Creativity and an artistic eye.
To be fit and fairly strong, as shopfitters are on their feet for most of the day and might have to help in moving heavy equipment and materials.
Some experience of using CAD software.
To be aware of the importance of health and safety in the construction industry.
Maths and literacy skills.

Working conditions can be dusty, so the job may not be suitable for you if you have allergies or a condition such as asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

Job-related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
Management and leadership skills.
Teamworking skills.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Shopfitters earn in the range of £17,000, rising to as much as £35,000 with experience.

Shopfitters usually work a basic 39-hour week. However, they are sometimes required to work long and irregular hours, which may include evenings, nights and weekends.

Employers are shopfitting firms. Many are small businesses employing only a few people. Opportunities for shopfitters occur with firms in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced shopfitters to work independently as self-employed craftworkers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training entry

There are various relevant qualifications available from organisations like City and Guilds and Edexcel. These courses may be in a more general subject area, such as construction.

Apprenticeships will usually involve work- and college-based training. You will also receive training in subjects like health and safety.

An experienced shopfitter could go on to become a:

Setter out
Construction site manager
Contract manager

Qualifications

Entry requirements vary. You do not always need educational qualifications to enter this type of work.

To enter a City and Guilds or Edexcel level 2 course in construction, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grade 3 or below.

However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get on to one of the courses without any qualifications.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in the building and construction industry at operative or craft level are an advantage. A practical background using your hands, for example, in woodwork, is useful.

Related careers

Carpenter/joiner
Carpet fitter
Floor layer
Furniture maker
Glazier
Heating and ventilating fitter
Painter and decorator
Picture framer
Window fitter
Wood machinist