Sparky looking to get into fitting

[kingfisher]

I'm an apprentice trained sparky and got into kitchen fitting after working for Moores (kitchen manufacturer) as a maintenance electrician.

I ended up working for MFI (till they went t*ts up) and out of the ten fitters who worked for them (York depot) I think only 2 came from a joinery background.

Some of the worst fits I've seen have been done by "qualified" joiners. I remember one of them trying to router some 40mm laminate in one pass and wondered why he'd burnt out 3 bits doing one mitre........which was horrendous.

I'd suggest trying to find some fitters who need a sparks and ask to help out on the fit as a labourer. Most fitters would appreciate a hand with the worktops if nothing else.

[Karl91]

Cheers for the replies guys been a lot of help.

How long on average would you say it would take to become competent? Also you don't need any specific qualifications as far as I can tell which is a bonus

[barrgrylls]

You will need qualifications to work on building sites pal so you can get your blue cscs card. You can phone an assessor to come out and watch you for a day and he will give you some mickey mouse diploma but it will enable you to get your blue card. As far as fitting units goes its a doddle, you will have to practise your worktops. The more you do the better you get. I have been fitting 15 years and am still learning really as worktops are always moving on (laminate, earthstone, corian, concrete) Speak to as many fitters as you can and pick up tips which will make life a lot easier and quicker. Given practise I see no reason why you cant be fitting basic kitchens to a high standard in 3 months. The most important thing is having the correct gear.

[Stretch]

Kitchen fitters are born not made. If you've got a good eye for detail and finishing then you'll be ok....

A sharp pencil and a tape measure will be the best tools you'll ever invest in. After that you build your kit with the profits of your experience. It takes time but I would give it a few years.

[snezza]

I started fitting kitchens with another guy back in the early 80's. We went to work for a guy who was fitting kitchens on his own, but was so busy he needed the extra help. We worked along side him for about 14 months before he felt we were competent to do the job on our own. He knew I had an electrical background so that was my initial foot in the door, so to speak.

We worked for him until he retired in 1987 and then we went out on our own..........Been busy ever since really...!!!

Opened my own Showroom in 2010 and there still isn't enough days in the week......  Still learning stuff every week, and this Forum has been an invaluable resource of information & advice......as well as meeting like minded fitters that have become friends to boot..!

[markspark]

Hi karl, like you i am a sparky and wanted to fit kitchens, its not an easy transition as some said its a completely different skill set and definately takes time, i have been fitting for about a year now with all the different manufacturer kitchens and i am just getting the hang of it now, sparkying is easy compared to fitting as most of your work is covered up, which makes you a bit hammer happy, with kitchens all your work is on show and must be perfect, mistakes are very costly, and done in somebodys house, which doesnt go down well, good luck though