Windscreen fitter
Windscreen fitters repair and replace damaged glass on vehicles like cars, lorries and buses.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £16,000 - £24,000
Typical hours (a week): 45 - 47
Related videos on a windscreen fitter
How to become a windscreen fitter
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair.
College (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an automotive glazing technician advanced apprenticeship.
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
Direct application
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.
More info
Further information You can find out more about careers in the car industry from Autocity.
What it takes
Skills & 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
Restriction & Requirements
You'll usually need a driving licence. You may be given a company car or van if you're directly employed. You'll need your own vehicle if you work for yourself.
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- assessing damage to glass
- advising customers about repair options
- repairing small chips in glass with resin
- disconnecting electrical parts like window controls on larger jobs
- removing trims from around windows
- removing and replacing damaged glass
- recording work details for each job
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
Career path & progression
With more training you could become a vehicle mechanic, breakdown engineer or workshop supervisor. You could also start your own windscreen repair company.
