Shopfitter

Also known as:

Carpenter - Shopfitter
Joiner - Shopfitter

Introduction

Shopfitters construct the interiors of shops and other commercial buildings, eg hotels. They may also install shop fronts. Shopfitters deal with a range of materials, eg wood, glass and metal. Time is spent in the workshop making fixtures and also installing the fixtures on site.

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Work Activities

Shopfitters work in a specialised branch of the construction industry. The work involves the fitting of fixtures in commercial premises such as shops, offices and restaurants. The work is mainly interior but can also involve some exterior fittings and improvements.

Before beginning the practical work the shopfitter has to produce the drawings, select appropriate materials for each job, estimate the total cost and submit a tender.

Shopfitters spend a large part of their time on-site. However, at the beginning of a job they may be based in a workshop or factory, planning and making up the fixtures using computer controlled machines.

Shopfitters make a range of items such as counters, partitions, worktops, cupboards, shelving and seating. They work with a variety of different materials, such as wood, glass (including double-glazing), perspex, plastic and metal. Some shopfitters move into specialised work, such as kitchen or bedroom fitting.

Once the materials have been selected, marked, cut, shaped and finished, they are taken to the site where they are installed to a set design or plan. Shopfitters then provide the final touches, such as adding handles, hinges and decorative fittings or adding special finishes to surfaces.

For all these tasks, shopfitters use a range of hand or power operated tools, such as chisels, planes, mortise machines and saws. They need to be able to decide on the most suitable materials and equipment to produce each part.

Shopfitters commonly specialise in one of the above mentioned areas of work: either as metal fabricators, wood machinists, shopfitting joiners, setters out, estimators or site forepersons.

Some work places may be noisy and can be dangerous. Shopfitters need to be aware of safety procedures when using equipment and machinery. Protective clothing should also be worn (goggles, ear-protectors and boots). Shopfitters sometimes work at heights.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be able to read and interpret plans and diagrams, then visualise the final result. You will need an awareness of space and size, good hand skills, creativity and an artistic eye. Attention to detail and precision work are also important.

You will need to be able to concentrate on both routine and specialised tasks. Much of the work is done to a deadline, so you should be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure. You have to be numerate, as measuring and calculating are major parts of the job.

You should be fit and fairly strong. Shopfitters are on their feet for most of the day and often have to help in moving heavy equipment and materials.

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

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Shopfitters earn in the range of £270 - £340 a week, rising to £420 - £520. Higher earners can make around £550 a week.

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 throughout the UK. Many are small businesses employing only a few people. After training and some experience, you may become self-employed or set up your own business.

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Adult Opportunities

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 and abilities 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.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 49% of people in occupations such as shopfitting are self-employed.
• 2% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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