Shopfitter
Make and fit the woodwork or metalwork for shops, banks, offices, restaurants and bars.
About the job
What it's like
You would make and fit the woodwork or metalwork for shops, banks, offices, restaurants and bars.
You would also build and refurbish shop fronts, doorways and fixtures.
On most jobs you would work closely with other tradespeople such as tilers, electricians and plumbers.
You would:
Mark out and cut wood, metals, glass and plastics to make units and fittings in a workshop
Work out material amounts and costs, and prepare quotes for jobs
Prepare design plans for a contract
Measure and set out jobs on site, and put in the fixtures and fittings
Paint timber products
As an experienced shopfitter, you might work as a workshop manager or site supervisor, making sure that your team's work meets quality standards.
You would need to be aware of health and safety rules, and keep up to date with Building Regulations.
Hours
You would normally work around 40 hours a week, with overtime often available. In some cases, you may have to work through the night, where the work needs to be done with minimal disruption to a client's business.
Environment
You would spend most of your time indoors, in a construction workshop or on site. You may need to wear protective clothing like safety footwear, goggles and ear defenders.
Travel
Overnight stays away from home may be necessary on some contracts.
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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.
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- hand tools
- machinery repair and maintenance
- shop fitting
- led lamps
- cutters
- seeders
- petrol engines
- field inspection
- electric motors
- rotating equipment
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:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Practical Woodwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role.
Entry is usually through a Modern Apprenticeship where you gain a relevant qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Wood Occupations (Construction): Shopfitting Site Work (SVQ levels 2/3).
For this Modern Apprenticeship a lot of employers value a good general education including English and maths. Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You may need to pass an aptitude test.
You may move into this job after working in another trade such as carpentry and joinery, tiling or plastering.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills 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 train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
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