How to Become a Window Fitter in the UK
Window fitters remove old windows and doors and install new ones, mostly uPVC, aluminium and timber in homes. You measure openings accurately, take out the old frames without damaging the building, fix and level the new frames, glaze them, and seal them against the weather. Work is on site in all weathers and involves heavy lifting. The trade overlaps with a glazier, who focuses more on cutting and fitting glass.
Most fitters learn on the job as a fitter's mate or apprentice with an installation company, then gain an NVQ and a CSCS card. Many experienced fitters go self-employed.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £28,000
- Mid-career salary
- £30,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £48,000 - £65,000
- Work environment
- On-site, hands-on, often outdoors
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required - apprenticeship route
- Category
- Skilled Trades
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Career change.
What a Window Fitter does
Install replacement windows and doors in homes - uPVC, aluminium and timber.
- uPVC Windows - Replace residential uPVC windows and doors.
- Aluminium Systems - Fit aluminium windows and bi-folds.
- Commercial Glazing - Curtain walling on commercial buildings.
- Sash Window Restoration - Restore traditional timber sashes.
How to become a window fitter in the UK
You do not need formal qualifications to start. The common route is joining a window company as a fitter's mate or trainee, or taking a fenestration installer apprenticeship, leading to an NVQ in fenestration installation. That qualification lets you apply for a CSCS card for work on building sites. Replacement windows and doors in England and Wales must meet Building Regulations, and most companies show this by registering with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, so learning their standards is part of the job. The Glass and Glazing Federation is the main trade body.
- Get a job as a fitter's mate or trainee with a local window and door installation company, learning alongside experienced fitters.
- Ask your employer about a fenestration installer apprenticeship or an NVQ in fenestration installation, which is assessed on real jobs you do.
- Apply for your CSCS card once you hold the right qualification, so you can work on building sites and new-build projects as well as homes.
- Learn to survey and measure openings precisely, because a wrongly measured frame is expensive and usually cannot be fixed on site.
- Learn the Building Regulations rules for replacement windows, including energy efficiency, safety glass and escape windows, and how competent person schemes certify work.
- Build skills in a specialism such as aluminium systems, bi-fold doors, commercial glazing or timber sash restoration to earn more.
- If you go self-employed, arrange insurance and either register with a competent person scheme or subcontract for a registered company.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter's mate, learning on the job | 1-3 years | Paid from day one | Getting started quickly |
| Fenestration installer apprenticeship | About 1-2 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers and new starters |
| NVQ assessment for experienced fitters | A few months | Varies by provider | Experienced fitters with no card |
How long it takes
You can start as a fitter's mate within weeks, with no qualifications. Becoming a fully skilled fitter with an NVQ and CSCS card usually takes 2 to 4 years.
Window Fitter salary in the UK
Window fitters typically start on around £24,000 to £28,000 as trainees or fitter's mates. Qualified fitters usually earn £30,000 to £42,000, and experienced fitters, team leaders or self-employed installers with steady work can earn £48,000 to £65,000. Pay depends on whether you are paid a salary, a day rate or per frame fitted, on how busy the local home improvement market is, and on specialist skills such as aluminium or commercial glazing.
Key skills
- Measuring
- Sealing/weather-proofing
- Hand and power tools
- Customer comms
- Heavy lifting
Window Fitter FAQs
How do I become a window fitter?
Get a job as a fitter's mate or apprentice with a window installation company, learn on the job, and work towards an NVQ in fenestration installation and a CSCS card. Most people become fully skilled in 2 to 4 years.
Do window fitters need qualifications?
Not to start. Employers train you on the job. An NVQ in fenestration installation and a CSCS card are needed for many site jobs and help you earn more, and your company will usually need competent person scheme registration.
How much does a window fitter earn in the UK?
Trainee window fitters typically earn around £24,000 to £28,000. Qualified fitters earn £30,000 to £42,000, and experienced or self-employed fitters with steady work can earn £48,000 to £65,000.
What is FENSA and do I need it?
FENSA is one of the competent person schemes that let registered companies self-certify that replacement windows and doors meet Building Regulations in England and Wales. Employed fitters are covered by their company. If you go self-employed, registering with a scheme is the usual route, otherwise each job needs building control approval.
Is Window Fitter right for you?
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