Window fabricator

Window fabricators make windows, doors, glass panels and curtain walls for homes and businesses.

Also known as: Fenestration fabricator, window manufacturer, window maker

• Starter salary£21,000 a year
• Experienced£27,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

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.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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 a window fabricator

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a manufacturing company, such as:

• Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Fenestration Fabricator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship

Work

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.

Direct application

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.

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

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.

Guides for this industry

• Manufacturing: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

• Job roleProduction worker (manufacturing)
• Job roleGlazier
• Job roleCNC machinist
• Job roleQuality control officer

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0