Window fitter

Window fitters install window frames and windows into new and existing buildings. They may also fit conservatories and doors with glass panels.

Also known as:

Glass fitter – windows
Double glazing fitter

Work activities

Window fitters install window frames and windows, including double glazing. They work with different materials including glass, wood, plastic and aluminium. Window fitters primarily work on customer premises and commercial building sites. If they’re working on existing buildings, fitters first carefully remove the old glass using hand and power tools. They then put in place the new windows and adjust the frames to fit exactly, using hand tools such as planes and saws. Finally, fitters fix the new windows into place and make any repairs that need to be done to the plasterwork around the window frame. Some window fitters specialise in fitting conservatories or doors with glass panels. They may work alone, with one other person or in small teams.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a window fitter, you will need:

Good practical skills.
To be physically fit as the work involves the lifting of heavy sheets of glass.
A head for heights, as some of your work will be on ladders.
To be able to take accurate measurements and make calculations.
An awareness of health and safety.
Some of the work is outdoors, so you should be prepared to work in all kinds of weather conditions.

The following skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

Job-related technical skills, including glass cutting, laminating, and computer aided design (CAD).
Teamworking skills.
Management and leadership skills.

Many companies will provide transport, but having a driving licence can be useful in this type of work. This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Window fitters start on around £16,000 per year, rising to u[ to £27,000 a year, with experience.

Window fitters may work 43 to 45 hours per week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist window installation companies and building contractors. Opportunities for window fitters occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

Employment levels in the glass industry have remained steady for some years. This situation is expected to continue over the next few years. It has been widely predicted that many technical skills will, in time, become automated.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Apprenticeships can be found on the Find an Apprenticeship website.

Entry routes and training

You might not need any qualifications to get into this job. Practical ability is often more important to employers. Check individual job vacancies. You could start by undertaking the fenestration installer intermediate apprenticeship.

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.

Employers give short on-the-job training courses. Various relevant work-based qualifications are available. These will be included as part of an apprenticeship.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, e.g. construction site manager.

Qualifications

You do not usually need qualifications to enter this work, but some employers may prefer you to have some qualifications. Subjects like maths, and construction and the built environment would be useful.

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need to be 16. You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths) but you may be able to take these while undertaking your apprenticeship.

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.

Related skills, for example, in building or woodworking, are useful.

Related careers

Carpenter/joiner
Construction labourer
Furniture maker
Glazier
Painter and decorator
Plasterer
Shopfitter
Wall and floor tiler