Shopfitter
Transform interiors by crafting and installing bespoke wood and metal features. Turn empty spaces into striking, functional environments for shops, offices and restaurants.
About the job
What it's like
Shopfitters bring retail and commercial spaces to life, turning empty shells into inviting environments. This hands-on role blends creativity with practical skills to create spaces where businesses thrive.
You'll focus on installing fixtures, fittings and equipment in shops, restaurants and offices. It’s rewarding to see your work transform a blank space into a finished, functional area. You’ll often work to tight deadlines, collaborating with designers, tradespeople and clients to deliver impressive results.
You might fit display units in a high street shop, install counters in a café or refurbish a pharmacy. Shopfitters are found in retail, hospitality, healthcare and office sectors. Some specialise in bespoke joinery, sustainable materials or high-end interiors.
Your tasks might include:
measuring and marking out spaces for fixtures and fittings
assembling and installing shelving, counters and display units
reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans
working with materials like wood, metal, glass and plastics
liaising with clients, designers and other trades on site
making sure all work meets safety and quality standards
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) – discover careers and training in shopfitting
Go Construct – learn even more about careers in shopfitting
Scottish Building Federation – find industry news and resources relevant to shopfitters in Scotland
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Joiner
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Construction and built environment
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
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.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Practical Woodwork
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
There are a few routes you can take to become a shopfitter.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Construction Management
Built Environment
Carpentry and Joinery
Interior Design
Architectural Technology
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Wood and Timber Industries.
Trainee roles
You can become a shopfitter by applying for a paid trainee role, where you'll learn on the job without needing previous experience.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
Work
Got experience in a different construction-based role, such as carpentry and joinery, tiling or plastering? You may be able to apply directly for shopfitter jobs.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
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