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Window fitter

Install windows, doors and other glass surfaces to brighten up people's homes and businesses.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£308

Entry level

£519

Experienced

Monthly

£1,333

Entry level

£2,250

Experienced

Yearly

£16,000

Entry level

£27,000

Experienced

500

people are currently employed

Low growth

No change in number of jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would install windows, doors and other glass surfaces to brighten up people's homes and businesses.

You would:

  • Remove old windows and doors with hand and power tools

  • Measure the space(s) for the new windows or doors

  • Fix the glass in place, making sure it is safe and level

  • Seal the fittings to protect against the weather

  • Clean away leftover materials and fix any damage to timber or plaster

You would normally be helped by a fitter's ‘mate’.

You might work with traditional wooden- and metal-framed products as well as modern UPVC units. You could also learn the special skills needed to repair and replace windows in old buildings.

As well as fitting windows on site, you may sometimes work on making the glass sheets. You’d need an awareness of safe working practices when handling glass.

Hours

You would work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with possible overtime when necessary.

Environment

You would work both indoors and outside, using ladders or scaffolding to reach the upper storeys of buildings. The work can be physically demanding, with heavy lifting involved.

Travel

You would normally need a driving licence and access to a van to move equipment from job to job.

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Related industries

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  • Construction and built environment
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • working with numbers
  • observation
  • verbal communication
  • attention to detail
  • developing a plan
  • implementing ideas
  • managing resources
  • time management

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Practical Craft Skills

  • Practical Woodwork

  • Skills for Work: Construction Craft

You can enter a Modern Apprenticeship and gain a relevant work-based qualification such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Glass Industry Occupations (SCQF Level 5/6). You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.

You do not always need formal qualifications but National 4 or National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5) would be helpful. 

Relevant qualifications and experience in carpentry or other crafts such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).

You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.

A driving licence is useful and often essential.

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