Window Fabricator

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

37 to 42 a week

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How To Become a Window Fabricator

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an intermediate apprenticeship in window manufacturing or fenestration fabrication.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could begin as a general production operative or labourer with a window manufacturer and work your way up. There are courses you can do while working to help you get into more skilled fabrication jobs.

You could also start as a window fitter and move into fabrication work.

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers set their own entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills for measuring along with good practical skills.

Experience of general manufacturing and trades like window fitting or joinery may also be useful.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of maths
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of building and construction
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You'll make and glaze frames for items like:

windows
conservatories
doors
screens
curtain walling

You may specialise in manufacturing, using different types of materials like UPVC, aluminium, steel, timber, or wood and aluminium composite. You could:

read and interpret computer-aided drawings and plans
measure and mark out
set up machinery and equipment
use hand, power and machine tools to drill, cut and assemble frames
install glass into frames and add fittings like handles and locks
clean, inspect and package finished products
load and unload delivery vehicles
complete paperwork, including job sheets and quality assurance documents

You'll work to production schedules and targets to meet customer demand. There may be opportunities to go on site to do surveys, assist with fitting or do quality control jobs.

Working Environment

You could work in a factory, in a workshop, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be physically active.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move into supervisory, quality control or management positions. You could work in other types of manufacturing or go into product sales.

You could move into jobs where you might go on site to help fix problems with fenestration products, or do surveys for customers looking to buy new ones, like conservatories.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can get more information on careers in window fabrication and fenestration from Building Our Skills.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.