Role Profile

Fabricator/Fitter – Signmaking

Typical job description:

Fabricators and fitters assemble and install signs and displays for a variety of uses, such as exhibition displays and 3-D signs for business premises. Fabrication involves using various methods and equipment to assemble sign materials, which can include vinyl, Perspex, plastic, metal and glass. Fabricators will usually follow graphic designers’ guidelines to cut out and fabricate lettering into finished signs or displays, using various hand tools or computerised laser or water-jet cutters. The pieces are assembled using adhesives, soldering or welding techniques. Signs may then be finished by spraying or treating with a range of protective coatings.

Sign fitting involves fixing signs to buildings or structures, often using access equipment such as scaffolds, portable towers and ladders to work at heights. Electrical installation work is also carried out when fitting illuminated signs, and maintenance may be provided by fitters as part of an ongoing contract. Fitters must ensure that all work conforms to health and safety and planning regulations.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • Cut out letters and shapes to a pre-prepared design
  • Use hand tools or computerised cutting machines
  • Cut and bend glass neon tubes
  • Carry out minor electrical work
  • Assemble signs
  • Apply protective coatings
  • Install and repair signs on location
  • Use access equipment to work at heights
  • Carry out electrical installation work

Entry Level:

No set qualifications are needed to become a sign fabricator/fitter, although employers may require some GCSEs/S grades, including maths and English, plus science, engineering or design technology.

Alternative qualifications such BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas or City & Guilds awards in engineering could be useful. These courses are available at local colleges. It may also be helpful to have a background in other types of manufacturing, engineering or electrical work.

You may be able to enter this job role through the Advanced Apprenticeship for the sign industry, offered by the BSGA in association with Cogent. Targeted at 16-18 year olds and operating over a period of approximately four years, the scheme leads to the NVQ Level 3 in signmaking.

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Pay and conditions:

Salaries can range from around £15,000 to £20,000 a year.

Sign fabrication fitters usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. Evening or weekend work may sometimes be needed if installing signs in public places. Fabrication work can take place in factories, workshops or studios, and may involve manual lifting. Installation can happen indoors or outdoors, and will often involve working at heights using access equipment such as scaffolds, portable towers and ladders.

Industry Standard:

NVQ/SVQ in Signmaking Levels 2 and 3
City & Guilds Inspection, Testing and Certification of Installations (PAT testing)
City & Guilds 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations
For further professional development, relevant NVQ/SVQs include Electrotechnical Services levels 2 and 3 and Electrical and Electronics Servicing NVQ/SVQ at levels 2 and 3.

Competencies:

  • Versatility and willingness to do a variety of tasks
  • Good practical skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Physical fitness for lifting, carrying and working at heights
  • Concentration during repetitive tasks
  • A driving licence, for installation work.

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • Knowledge of lettering, fonts and design
  • Awareness of health and safety
  • CSCS Green Card safety passport (Sign Installer – Illuminated or Sign Installer – Non-illuminated)
  • PASMA or IPAF accreditation (for working at heights)
  • Understanding of technology used to produce signs
  • Understanding of technical diagrams and manuals
  • Ability to keep up to date with new skills and techniques.

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