Signmaker

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £26,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends

How To Become a Signmaker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Signmaking.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeship may be relevant to this role:

Level 3 Signage technician

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply for jobs directly. It may be useful to have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like design and technology or art and design. English, maths and ICT might also be helpful.

It will also be useful if you have experience or qualifications in CNC machining, printing or reprographics.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

design skills and knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
persistence and determination
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
the ability to work well with your hands
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

design signs using computer software
measure and calculate letter and logo sizes
make glass fibre letters from moulds
cut out and shape materials into letters, logos and 3D shapes
print out signs or designs on digital printers
apply paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller
hand-paint lettering (in traditional signmaking)
bend glass into shape and fit basic electrical wiring (if making illuminated or animated signs)
cut sign frames from aluminium
install signs on site
deal with paperwork and administration

Working Environment

You could work at a client's business, in a workshop or in a creative studio.

Your working environment may be at height, outdoors some of the time, noisy, physically demanding and dusty.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the International Sign Association UK for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

have a full driving licence