Shopfitter
Make and fit the woodwork or metalwork for shops, banks, offices, restaurants and bars.
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
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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.
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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 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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