Shopfitter
OFO No:
Youtube clip – WorldSkills Competition Australia – Joinery & Shopfitting
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Shopfitter?
Shopfitting is the trade of designing and fitting out retail and service shops and stores with equipment, fixtures and fittings. These could vary from jewellery stores, to supermarkets, to restaurants, to gyms, hotels etc.
This particular job is very exciting because each project is completely different to the next.
Shopfitters have a passion for design as well as the skills to make the interiors.
Things that they would make, for example, include: display cabinets, shelves, signage, interior cubicles, etc.
They may also be skilled in decoration including hanging mirrors and art pieces, carving banisters, laying mosaics and other interesting finishes.
Shopfitters usually work in a team, where each individual specialises in their own field for example: design, carpentry, welding, glazing, signage, lighting & electrical etc.
What does a Shopfitter do?
- meets with and advise clients on design
- prepares quotations
- designs interiors of shops, restaurants, supermarkets etc
- reads and understands architects specifications
- measures and make cabinets, showcases, wall units, counters and work stations etc
- orders the required quantities and types of material
- constructs and erects internal walls and ceiling framing etc
- manufactures and installs carpentry components
- applies paint and other finishes
- cuts and installs glass
- checks on quality
- keeps up to date with new materials and finishes (like carpets, tiles, ceiling finishes etc)
- performs minor repairs to fittings
Are you . . . ?
- interested in interiors and architecture?
- good at mathematics?
- detail orientated?
- reliable?
- able to follow plans and specifications?
- deadline orientated?
- able to work within a budget?
- willing to work overtime?
- able to think and ‘see’ in 3D?
- creative?
How do I become a Shopfitter?
Depending on your speciality, you could enter the exciting world of Shopfitting in many different ways.
You could be an artisan who is skilled and experienced in electrical, metalwork (welding), woodwork (carpentry), glazing, tiling etc. See under these job titles, on our website, for more study details.
You could study a completely different route and enter this field by becoming an Interior Designer or Architectural Draughter. Look under these 2 job descriptions on our website for more study options.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- EASTCAPE TRAINING CENTRE
Offers a Shopfitting course and apprenticeships
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Carpenter … or … Set Designer
Is becoming a Shopfitter the right career choice for me?