How to become a kitchen fitter
In this article
Whether you’re adding the finishing touches to a new build, or leading a much-needed kitchen renovation, the creative vision and technical skills of experienced kitchen fitters are always in demand.
Forming a foundational part of the wider trades industry, kitchen fitting can be a particularly profitable and satisfying career for those who enjoy working with their hands and facing the unique individual challenges that come with every project. However, in order to qualify as a kitchen fitter, there are several important steps you’ll need to take.
From learning the basics of the fitting trade to specific qualifications you’ll need to earn, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to become a kitchen fitter in our guide below.
Why might you want to become a kitchen fitter?
Given the continual need for freshly fitted kitchens and upgraded cooking spaces, it should come as no surprise that experienced kitchen fitters are constantly sought after across the length and breadth of the UK.
An important part of every home, a fitted kitchen is pretty much essential, meaning there’s always work to be found if you can deliver consistently high-quality work and know where to look for new customers.
Not only that, but the entry bar for kitchen fitting is often a lot lower than other more skill-intensive trades, making it an excellent first trade to start with and hone your craft in before looking to specialise in the future.
What does a kitchen fitter do?
A kitchen fitter’s main priority is to install new kitchens in both commercial and domestic properties. Of course, in reality, there’s a lot more to a fitting role like this than first meets the eye.
As any experienced kitchen fitter will tell you, there are many steps that go into completing a kitchen fitting project, and the average kitchen fitter will likely find themselves doing one or more of the following tasks on any given work day:
- Uninstalling and disposing of old kitchen units, worktops, and appliances.
- Installing brand-new kitchen units, both prefabricated and from scratch.
- Building basic kitchen units prior to installation.
- Cutting and fitting worktops, including carving holes for sinks, hobs, taps, etc.
- Fitting and hooking up new appliances.
- Measuring kitchen spaces and drawing up plans for how to fit new kitchen units correctly.
- Performing essential carpentry and decor tasks (such as tiling), should you decide to specialise in one of these areas.
What qualifications do I need to become a kitchen fitter?
In order to become a qualified kitchen fitter, you’ll need to acquire the proper training and accreditation from either a college or an apprenticeship scheme – both to learn the basics of the job and how to use the essential kitchen tools required to deliver the best work possible.
Apprenticeships are particularly well suited for those just entering the kitchen fitting space, giving you the chance to acquire the necessary skills through on-the-job work while also paying you while you learn.
College certifications, on the other hand, provide you with the practical and theoretical framework needed to get your first kitchen fitting job. Should you choose to learn through a college, we recommend getting at least one of the following certifications:
- A Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery
- A Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing
- A Level 2 Diploma in Fitted Interiors
- A Level 2 NVQ in Interior Systems
Alongside this, if you know you’ll be working on commercial projects as part of your career, then you’ll need to apply for a CSCS card before starting work. Without one, you won’t legally be able to operate on a construction site.
How long does it take to become a kitchen fitter?
Depending on how you choose to go about becoming a kitchen fitter, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to earn the required qualifications to start working in this trade.
But at the end of the day, the more qualifications and experience you have, the easier it will be for you to get your first kitchen fitting job, so there’s no harm in taking the time to earn certification in a variety of kitchen fitting areas to give yourself a better understanding of the trade as a whole.
What other skills do I need to become a kitchen fitter?
Besides the technical knowledge required to go into the kitchen fitting trade, there are various other skills that you can cultivate to help you in your new role, including one or more of the following:
- Attention to detail – from knowing how best to work around awkward corners and pipes to adding the finishing touch to kitchen units before final installation, good attention to detail will help you deliver a cohesive look with every installation.
- Hand-eye coordination –due to the demands of the job and the variety of tools you’ll be working with, good hand-eye coordination is a must to avoid injuries and unwanted mistakes as you work.
- Mathematical understanding –delivering accurate measurements is a key aspect of any kitchen fitting project, so you want to be sure that you can measure things properly and create accurate plans for a seamless fitting process.
- Problem solving –given the unique nature of every project, being proactive in solving any problems you encounter will go a long way to making future fitting projects that much easier.
How much do kitchen fitters earn?
As with all trades, the base rate for kitchen fitters can vary depending on experience. For those just starting in the industry, you can expect to earn around £24,000 a year, while those with several years of experience under their belt can earn as much as £45,000+, especially if they decide to start their own kitchen fitting business.
Grow your reputation with Which?
Once you gain enough experience as a kitchen fitter, you might want to start a business of your own. And one of the best ways to get a leg up on your competition is to become a Which? Trusted Trader.
With access to your own business page for displaying reviews and previous work examples, it’s the perfect place for new customers to come and find a reputable tradesperson like yourself.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our vetting process, and head over to our trade hub for more informative articles like this one, such as how to set up a small business website on a budget and small business taxes to be aware of.
