Windscreen fitter
Windscreen fitters repair and replace damaged glass on cars, vans, buses and lorries.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a windscreen fitter, you could:
- drive to meet the customer or welcome them to the workshop
- assess the damage to glass and advise the customer on repair options
- repair small chips in glass with resin
- disconnect electrical wiring, like window controls
- remove trims from around windows
- remove and replace damaged glass, and reconnect electrics
- record work details for each job
- process payments
Working environment
You could work in a fast-fit centre, at a car dealership, at a client's business, at a client's home or on call-out to wherever the car owner is.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and involve using chemicals.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With more training you could become a:
- vehicle mechanic
- breakdown engineer
- workshop supervisor
You could also start your own windscreen repair company.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could do a college course in a subject like vehicle accident repair, which may help when looking for work.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do an Automotive Glazing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
There are no set entry requirements when applying directly for vacancies, but experience in the motor trade as a mechanic or body repairer would be helpful.
Career tips
You may be given a company car or van if you're employed directly by a windscreen repair firm. You'll need your own vehicle if you work for yourself.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in the motor industry from Autocity.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.