You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need to get a job as a trainee with a glazing or window fitting company.

Courses include:

• construction skills
• carpentry and joinery

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply for a place on a Fenestration Installation Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

You could start work as an assistant to a glazier or window fitter and train on the job, working alongside an experienced tradesperson.

Employers will look for someone with good practical skills and a willingness to learn.

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills to make measurements and work out dimensions. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Experience in carpentry, joinery or window manufacturing might also be helpful.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• physical fitness and endurance
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

As a glazier or window fitter, you could:

• talk to customers about job details and design plans
• remove old glass, beading and frames, using hand and power tools
• measure up, cut and shape new glass panes and glazed units
• move larger panels into place with suction cups or hoists
• fit new glazing into place and make sure sealants are watertight
• clean up work areas and dispose of waste safely
• issue job completion paperwork to customers
• respond to emergency call outs

You could fit windows, doors, rooflights and conservatories in homes, shops, restaurants and offices. 

You would work with a variety of materials, such as UPVC, aluminium, timber and composites.

You could work at a client's home, at a client's business or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.