Kitchen fitter

How to become a kitchen fitter

There are several routes to becoming a kitchen fitter. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a kitchen fitter, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which would help you to become a kitchen fitter, such as a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery, a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or a Level 2 Diploma in Fitted Interiors.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a kitchen fitter is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in fitted interiors, joinery, tiling or plumbing to become a kitchen fitter.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some existing experience or qualifications in bathroom fitting, shopfitting, joinery, plumbing, tiling or electrical installation, you could apply directly to an employer for a job as a kitchen fitter. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced kitchen fitter and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a kitchen fitter. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a kitchen fitter include: 

• Attention to detail
• Good mathematical skills
• Understanding of buildings and construction projects
• Team working skills 
• Design skills and knowledge
• Ability to work well with your hands.

Qualifications

What does a kitchen fitter do?

As a kitchen fitter you will be responsible for installing and fitting kitchens. Day-to-day tasks include removing existing units and measuring for new ones. You will need to be able to follow technical plans to work around hidden pipes and units. You may choose to specialise in one area of kitchen fitting, such as tiling, carpentry, plumbing or more.

The role of kitchen fitter involves the following duties: 

• Measuring out work areas according to plans
• Removing and disposing of old units, appliances and decor
• Investigating the position of hidden pipes and cables
• Measuring and cutting worktops
• Building base units, wall units and cupboards
• Fitting cornices, pelmets, plinths and worktops
• Cutting out spaces for sinks, cookers and hobs
• Using a range of hand and power tools
• Tiling walls and laying flooring
• Following strict health and safety guidelines
• Working in client’s homes or businesses. 

How much could you earn as a kitchen fitter?

The expected salary for a kitchen fitter varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained kitchen fitters can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained kitchen fitters with some experience can earn £20,000 - £35,000
• Senior/master craft kitchen fitters can earn £35,000 - £50,000*
• Self-employed kitchen fitters set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest kitchen fitter vacancies: 

Career path and progression

As a kitchen fitter, you could move into a similar role as a bathroom, bedroom or shopfitter.

You could specialise in an area of construction such as carpentry, plastering or plumbing, or become an estimator.

Alternatively, you could progress into a more senior role and become a supervisor, team leader or project manager.