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Signwriter apprenticeships

Creative and media

Signwriter apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

    • University
    You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like graphic design. You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

     

    College
    You could do an A-Level in art and design or graphic design, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Apprenticeship
    You could get into this job through a Level 3 signage technician apprenticeship. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. 

    Work
    You may be able to start as a signwriter's assistant and learn on the job. 

    Direct Application
    You could apply directly to work as a signwriter. There are no set requirements, but it'll help if you've got a qualification and experience in printing, reprographics, laser cutting or graphic design. It's important to keep a portfolio of your design work to show employers what you can do when you're looking for jobs.

    Signwriter apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • design skills and knowledge 
    • knowledge of engineering science and technology 
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • persistence and determination 
    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools 
    • thinking and reasoning skills
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Signwriter apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You may: 

    • discuss with your client what type of signs they want
    • prepare and lay out designs and lettering 
    • measure and calculate letter sizes and graphics 
    • prepare surfaces 
    • apply paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller 
    • trace designs onto wood, metal or glass surfaces 
    • hand-paint designs and lettering using special brushes, enamel paint and gold leaf 
    • repaint and retouch signs on site 
    • use traditional techniques and modern materials like vinyl graphics
    Working environment
    You could work at a client's business, in a workshop or in a creative studio. Your working environment may be noisy, outdoors some of the time, at height and physically demanding.

    Career path and progression - Signwriter apprenticeships

    You could move into work for TV, film and theatre. You could also combine this job with signmaking.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    Paid Training

    Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!

    Range of career opportunities

    There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!

    Earn & learn

    As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.

    Great career prospects

    Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!

    Learn on the job

    There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!

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