Shopfitter

Shopfitters transform the interiors of offices, shops, restaurants, bars and more. They create plans, then make and install fittings to enhance our experience of a space. As a shopfitter, you’ll be ripping out the old and refitting the new. You could be overseeing builds and working with a range of materials to bring an area to life.

Onsite
Trade-Craft
Secondary qualifications
Working alone

What does a shopfitter do?

As a shopfitter you will be responsible for preparing designs for a client, and then building this in the shop once approved.

The job role of a shopfitter involves the following duties:

Preparing detailed, accurate design plans
Making shopfronts, frames, units and fittings using a range of materials such as wood, metal, glass or plastic amongst others
Creating interiors for the retail, leisure and heritage sectors, or banks, restaurants and bars
Overseeing projects and arranging for subcontractors to do plastering, flooring, heating, lighting and soundproofing
Estimating material quantities and costs
Preparing tenders and quotes for jobs
Measuring and setting out jobs on site
Working in workshops or client businesses in noisy, dusty, cramped conditions.

How to become a shopfitter

There are several routes to becoming a shopfitter. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which will help you start your career as a shopfitter.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

An intermediate apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. If your employer can provide you with the right experiences you could then progress onto a Level 3 (advanced) qualification. Some shopfitters start out as carpenters or joiners and then specialise in shopfitting and interior contracting.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you’ve got experience in tiling, carpentry or joinery, you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a job as a shopfitter.

If you are already employed, you could complete a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (on-the-job) to improve your skills.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. This could be gained at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a shopfitter. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a shopfitter include:

Goods maths abilities
Knowledge of building and construction
Thorough, with excellent attention to detail
Confident working with your hands
Good at working as part of a team
The ability to work under pressure
Design skills
Understanding of manufacturing production and processes.

Qualifications

England

To become a Shopfitter, you could complete a:

NVQ Level 2 Shopfitting Site Work
NVQ Level 2 Shopfitting Bench Work
Level 2 Interior Systems Installer apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a Shopfitter, you could complete a:

SVQ Level 5 in Fitted Interiors
SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Carpentry and Joinery
Modern Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery at SCQF Level 6

Wales

To become a Shopfitter, you could complete a:

NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Wood Occupations - Shopfitting
Level 2 and 3 in Wood Occupations (Shopfitting) apprenticeship

How much could you earn as a shopfitter?

The expected salary for a shopfitter varies as you become more experienced.

Newly trained shopfitters can start at £2000
Trained with experience shopfitters can earn up to £60000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

As an experienced shopfitter, you could become an estimator or designer.

You could enter into a supervisory role, such as a foreman, project or contract manager. You might decide to start your own business or work as a subcontractor.