Signwriter

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends

How To Become a Signwriter

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like graphic design.

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do an A level in art and design or graphic design, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

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

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an advanced signage technician apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

You may be able to start as a signwriter's assistant and learn on the job.

You could apply directly to work as a signwriter. There are no set requirements, but it'll help if you've got a qualification and experience in printing, reprographics, laser cutting or graphic design.

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
analytical thinking skills
persistence and determination
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You may:

discuss with your client what type of signs they want
prepare and lay out designs and lettering
measure and calculate letter sizes and graphics
prepare surfaces
apply paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller
trace designs onto wood, metal or glass surfaces
hand-paint designs and lettering using special brushes, enamel paint and gold leaf
repaint and retouch signs on site
use traditional techniques and modern materials like vinyl graphics

Working Environment

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

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

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

It's important to keep a portfolio of your design work to show employers what you can do when you're looking for jobs.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.