signwriter/signmaker

The work

Signwriters/signmakers design, make and install signs used for:

• business premises of all kinds
• vehicle bodies
• flexible PVC curtains used on lorries.

Signmaking involves:

• using digital technology - for example, producing lettering by microprocessor
• using screen printing for posters
• making glass fibre letters from moulds
• cutting out and building up rigid plastic letters or logos into 3D shapes.

The types of material used include:

• vinyl
• perspex
• plastic
• metal
• glass, which is used for illuminated or electronic signs.

Some signwriters still use traditional methods. They:

• plan out the work and measure and calculate the letter size
• prepare the surface
• apply the paint background by brush, spray or roller
• produce the lettering using special brushes and enamel paint.

Some jobs involve:

• installing signs on site
• drafting contracts
• preparing planning applications
• designing signs.
  
  

Hours and Environment

Most signwriter/signmakers work 40 hours, Monday - Friday. Evening and weekend overtime might be available. Part-time work might also be possible.

Traditional signwriting and sign installation involves working outdoors, sometimes at heights, and in all weathers. Some signwriters work in factories or studios.

The work may include a lot of standing. Some strength is required when lifting signs.

Signwriters/signmakers may spend short periods away from home, and a driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

As a signwriter/signmaker you should have:

• drawing skills - with the ability to work neatly, cleanly and precisely
• normal colour vision - for mixing and selecting colours
• numeracy - for measuring and calculating letter size when planning out work
• literacy - required for arranging lettering in logical order, spelling signs and form filling
• a flexible attitude towards learning new skills, as techniques change rapidly
• creative flair - where the job includes design work.

Entry

You do not need any particular academic entry qualifications to be a signwriter/signmaker. It will be useful if you have GCSEs (A-E)/S grades (1-7) in art, maths and English, but these are not always essential.

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be able to enter this type of work by doing an apprenticeship. Please see the Training section for more information about this.

Relevant courses include NVqs/SVQs in Signmaking (which are completed when in employment), and HNCs/HNDs and degrees in graphic design, multimedia graphics or graphic communication.

Training

You will usually be trained on the job. You might be able to find work towards NVQs/SVQs at levels 2 and 3 in Signmaking.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist with firms of sign manufacturers or signmakers. There may also be opportunities for self-employment, either independently or as part of a franchise operation.

Other employers include high street print/design firms, and firms of engravers. Signwriters/signmakers are employed throughout the country; and increasingly, abroad.

Whilst there is strong competition for job vacancies, opportunities are stable.

In medium and large sized firms there are promotion opportunities for suitably qualified people to supervisory and managerial posts.

Signwriters/signmakers can specialise in different areas within the industry, working as estimators, process planners or quality technicians.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

There is no set income for signwriters/signmakers; income varies according to type of employing organisation, responsibility and location.

Trainees are likely to start at around the National Minimum wage.
Experienced signwriters/signmakers are likely to earn from around £12,000 to around £17,000.
Highest earnings are around £20,000.