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More info
- Design, make and fit signs for commercial and non-commercial use
- You'll need excellent practical skills, accuracy and attention to detail
- Become a supervisor or manager or specialise in different areas
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Designing signs using computer software
- Measuring and calculating letter and logo sizes
- Making glass fibre letters from moulds
- Cutting out and shaping materials into letters, logos and 3D shapes
- Printing out signs or designs on digital printers
- Applying paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller, hand-painting lettering (in traditional sign-making)
- Bending glass into shape and fitting basic electrical wiring (if making illuminated or animated signs)
- Cutting sign frames from aluminium
- Installing signs on site
- Dealing with paperwork and administration
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll be based in a workshop or studio, but may also work on site, which can involve being outdoors, sometimes at height and in all weather conditions. You may work evenings and weekends for some jobs. Your working environment may also be noisy, physically demanding and dusty.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent practical skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent spelling and grammar, maths skills and IT skills, and creative skills.
There are no set entry requirements, but GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like design and technology or art and design may be useful. English, maths and ICT might also be helpful.
It will also be useful if you have experience or qualifications in CNC machining, printing or reprographics.
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Signmaking.
You may be able to start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in signmaking. This will usually take 1 year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
You could join the British Sign & Graphics Association for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager. You could specialise in different areas within the industry, working as an estimator, process planner or quality technician. You could also become self-employed, either independently or as part of a franchise.