A shopfitter's job is to plan, build and finish the shop interior. Starting with an empty room, they choose, cut and shape the materials that give a shop its own look and style.
Shopfitting is a skilled indoor job, and one that often means working through the night to get the job done. If you're creative, enjoy variety, and would like to work with a variety of different skills and materials, then this could be the ideal job for you.
Shopfitters need a good eye for detail, and should definitely enjoy working with their hands. You'll be at the 'finishing end' of construction, which means your work will be closely inspected by plenty of people.
There are no set entry requirements to train as a shopfitter, although GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.
Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you earn while you learn! Entry to an apprenticeship scheme will usually involve a selection test. You will start off by studying towards an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3.
Gain enough experience in shopfitting and you'll be in a very good position to start up your own business. The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.
