Where
to get the Training
You can start your training in shopfitting without any formal
qualification, but success in GCSE subjects like Maths, English,
Design & Technology and Science will help you with your
future career progression.
The main thing, whatever qualifications you
start with, is to have these qualities:
• Good at working with your hands
• Able to measure accurately
• Good at working with other people
If that sounds like you, you’ll be off
to a good start towards the qualifications that you can gain
in shopfitting. To start with, you’ll probably work
towards an NVQ in the appropriate area at level 2 or 3. NVQ’s
are ideal for people who like doing things rather than studying,
because they are assessed according to the work they do rather
than through exams.
You will probably start your career by
joining a specialist shopfitting company. It will be in their
interests to make sure that you can do your job to the highest
level, so you will receive excellent training.
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Much of your training will take place at work, although
you may be sent to college or a training centre for additional
training. This may be in the form of day release (probably
one day a week for a period of time) or block release (a
one-off or occasional several-week course).
Many shopfitting companies are prepared to
offer full apprenticeships from the beginning of the training.
If this is not available, it is a good idea to get on a
Modern Apprenticeship programme if you can. This is a government
sponsored scheme, which guarantees your training and work
for an employer to NVQ level 2 or 3. This usually takes
three to four years.
After that, you won’t necessarily get
a job with the same employer but you’ll probably be
kept on. Alternatively, with the skills and qualifications
that you have obtained, you’ll be in a good position
to get a job somewhere else. Your qualifications can also
be used to progress to technician training.
Shopfitting students are also eligible
to join the Institute of Shopfitting, where there are talks,
discussion groups and factory visits that will broaden your
horizons and enhance the training.
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