Retailers who want to attract customers need a store that is attractive and welcoming. Professional shopfitting companies can help you achieve this goal. They can also assist you with the design and installation of new equipment and services.
A typical shop fitting cycle begins with a survey and measurement of the available space. Then, the designer prepares design drawings and submits them to the client for approval.
Shop Fitting Job Description
Shop fittings Scotland make and install fixtures and fittings inside commercial spaces, such as shops, offices and bars. They create interior designs that are aesthetically pleasing and functional, meeting the clients’ requirements. They also liaise with other tradespeople, including tilers and electricians, to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
To become a shopfitter, you need to have a relevant qualification or a range of practical skills. A construction-related degree is ideal, although you can also enter the profession with experience in a related trade such as carpentry and joinery or tiling. You can apply for an apprenticeship with a construction company, which will allow you to earn while learning your new skills. You can also take a course to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which is essential for working on construction sites.
As a shopfitter, your duties will include making and installing counters, cupboards, shelving and display units. You will also build and refurbish shop fronts, entrances and doors. Depending on the client’s requirements, you may also arrange deliveries to the site and give instructions to other subcontractors involved in plastering, floor laying, heating and lighting.
You will machine, assemble and finish the joinery and metalwork in your workshop based on the design provided by your employer or from your own drawings. You will also liaise with your customers and suppliers to ensure they get exactly what they need.
As a shopfitter, you will work from your workshop or on construction sites. You will normally wear protective clothing, including ear protectors and safety goggles. You may have to stay overnight on site if the job is extensive, especially for refurbishment projects. You will generally work for about 40 hours per week, including overtime.
You can discover job opportunities by looking in local newspapers and websites or by contacting shopfitting firms directly. Your salary will depend on your experience, qualifications and the level of responsibility you have. In general, the more experienced you are, the higher your pay will be. In addition to your regular salary, you will receive additional benefits such as a pension plan and life insurance cover.
Qualification Requirements
The shop fittings profession involves the fit-out of retail outlets like corner shops, department stores, convenience stores and supermarkets and hypermarkets with equipment and furniture. A shopfitting firm typically incorporates interior design expertise in addition to manufacturing of bespoke furniture, signage and fittings. It also handles the purchasing of retail equipment. The initial qualification requirements for a career as a shop fitter are a minimum of GCSE grades in English, maths and design and technology and a technical certificate or equivalent training in construction.
Most newcomers begin their careers as a trainee with a specialist shopfitting company. This can be done on a fixed-term contract or as an apprenticeship, which usually lasts between 18 months and 4 years. The apprenticeship route will involve a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training. It will typically lead to the attainment of a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Wood Occupations (Construction) at Level 2/3. You will need to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on construction sites and undertake further training courses in site management, contract legislation, and estimating.
Basic knowledge of woodworking and the use of power tools is required for this type of work. In addition, you will need to be able to interpret and follow the design drawings that are prepared by a designer. You will also need to have knowledge of the production process and the materials used in shop fittings. You will also need to be able to handle the administrative tasks that are associated with your role.
You will generally start as a junior shop fitting Aberdeen and then progress to becoming a senior shop fitter or project manager by gaining relevant experience and additional qualifications. If you wish to progress even further, you will need to complete supervisory and management qualifications such as chargehand and foreperson. Alternatively, with the right contacts and sufficient experience, you can set up your own shopfitting business.
Many people make the transition to a career as a shopfitter from another type of trade such as carpentry or joinery, which are similar jobs. These people will need to obtain a CSCS card and pass the relevant health and safety tests to work on construction sites. It is also recommended that you take a first aid course.
Training Requirements
Shopfitting is a trade that involves fitting out retail outlets like corner shops, department stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets with equipment and fixtures. It is carried out by a professional who executes the planning, design, layout and installation of the equipment and services. A shop fitter’s firm typically incorporates interior design expertise, manufactures bespoke furniture and signage, and handles the purchasing of retail equipment.
To start a career as a shopfitter, you must have a relevant construction qualification or trade experience and an induction program that covers occupational health and safety. This is generally available at your local training authority or TAFE.
Some institutions offer a course called Certificate III in Shopfitting, which provides comprehensive training in the practical and theoretical aspects of this job. In this course, you learn how to fabricate and assemble a variety of components that are used in the construction of shopfittings such as showcases and counters. You also gain knowledge about occupational health and safety, surface finishes and job planning.
The course also offers practical skills in the use of power tools and hand tools. Upon completion of this course, you can work as a shopfitter and produce detailed drawings, work to client specifications and manufacture a range of specialised items for the store. You can also complete a number of elective units that will help you to advance your career in the construction industry.
Many people enter this profession from other construction-related trades, such as carpentry or timber framing. Those with qualifications that show practical skills may be able to take up an intermediate apprenticeship in construction building wood occupations or a level 3 advanced apprenticeship in construction specialist interior systems.
If you want to become a shop fitter, you must have a strong interest in the construction industry and a good eye for detail. You must also have the ability to work well in a team. You will need good communication skills to liaise with clients and contractors, and you will be expected to manage time effectively and cost-effectively.
In addition, you must be able to follow strict site guidelines and safety rules and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Your work will be conducted in a workshop and on onsite locations, which can be dusty, noisy and dirty. You will probably need to work shifts and overtime. You may be required to travel to various sites and stay on the job for a few weeks or months at a time.
Working Conditions
The working conditions for the shop fittings job can vary depending on whether you work in a retail environment or in the construction industry. If you are in a retail environment, you may need to wear protective clothing and use safety equipment. You should also follow company policies regarding working with asbestos and other hazardous materials. The Shopfitting Independent Training Forum offers a half day course to help you understand how to safely handle these materials.
If you are in the construction industry, there may be specific legislation that you must comply with. For example, if you are involved in gas installation or plumbing, there may be restrictions on who can carry out this work. You should also be aware of any changes to workplace health and safety legislation. It is important to find the right insurance cover for your business, and you should contact an insurer for advice.
Finding a shop fittings scotland job can be challenging, but it is possible to find a suitable role with a little research and preparation. There are a number of different ways to search for a job, including online and through the local press. In addition, there are several organizations that offer employment advice and support.