Window fabricator
Window fabricators make windows, doors, glass panels and curtain walls for homes and businesses.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a window fabricator, you could:
- measure, cut and drill materials like UPVC, aluminium and wood
- interpret design plans and operate CNC machinery
- assemble window and door frames, conservatory panels and screens
- fit seals, hinges, handles and locks using hand and power tools
- check the quality of finished products ready for delivery
- assist with on-site surveys on potential jobs
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in a workshop, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be physically active.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into supervisory or quality control positions. You might become a warehouse, production or trade counter manager.
You could also use your skills to work in other areas of manufacturing, like CNC machining.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could apply to do a Fenestration Fabricator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a manufacturing company.
This takes 1 year and 6 months to complete.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
You could begin work as a general production worker or labourer with a window manufacturer and work your way up. There are courses you can do while working to help you get into more skilled fabrication jobs.
You could also start as a window fitter and move into fabrication work.
You can apply directly for jobs. Employers set their own entry requirements, though you'll need maths skills for taking measurements along with good practical skills.
Experience of general manufacturing and trades like window fitting or joinery may also be useful.
You can get more details about careers in window fabrication from Building Our Skills.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.