A typical window fitting job involves removing old windows and doors with hand and power tools, and measuring up the space(s) to be fitted. Although fittings can be made-to-measure, more commonly, standard-sized glazing units are used, so it may be necessary to slightly enlarge or reduce the space around the fitment.

Fitters fix the windows and doors in place, making sure they are level and secure. They then make the fitting weathertight by using sealants. All leftover materials are disposed of and any damage to indoor plasterwork is made good. The work may also involve fitting weatherboarding.

Some fitters with extensive experience of complex work may be able to work on the repair and replacement of windows and glazing on historical buildings or monuments.

Some fitters work in the manufacture of glazing units.

Fitters are professional and skilled technicians of that should not be confused with contractors who install windows asnd doors. Windows and Doors "...won't work right if they are not installed right™" and over 90% of all window and door related problems are due to faulty, poor or incomplete installation. Certified Members of the Window Fitters Guild will place today's high tech fenestration products into service in residential and commercial buildings in such a way as to allow them to perform as manufactured for the life of the window or door product - and will back it up with a certificate of Assurantee™.

Entry
There are no set entry requirements, but some employers may look for some minimum grades in subjects such as maths, English, and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Glass and Glazing License, or graduate of Academy of Window & Door Installation (AWDI).

Often, entry is by direct employment with a glazing or window company. Apprenticeship training may be available depending on the employer.

Previous experience in carpentry and joinery, may be helpful in gaining an initial position as a fitter's helper.

Training (Click Here For More Information)
As a new window fitter, you can get qualified and proceed up the scale from Apprentice, to Journeyman, to Master Fitter and beyond by working for a fitting company through which you will be given a short training course by your employer. It will cover the removal and fitting of window frames, health and safety, customer relations and relevant paper work. Afterwards, you work alongside an experienced fitter. You can then apply for the varous grades with the Window Fitters Guild.

Window fitters work throughout the country. There are opportunities with large national firms and smaller companies employing a limited number of teams. It is possible to become self-employed; window fitting franchises may also be an option.

Experienced window fitters may be able to become window surveyors and/or estimators, visiting customers’ premises, measuring up and offering quotations for new windows.

There are also opportunities within sales and marketing for this field.