Building envelope specialists install and repair non-structural coverings to buildings using a variety of materials such as wood, glass and metal.
Salaries typically depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. Self-employed building envelope specialists set their own pay rates.
There are no set qualifications that building envelope installers need to have studied at school to begin a career in the industry. GCSE or standard grades in Maths and English or the Welsh Baccalaureate are important as you will have to work to precise measurements and follow instructions carefully.
You would normally move into the building envelope sector after gaining some work experience, possibly as a craftsperson. There is no recognised entry route to become an installer, although you could start your career on an apprenticeship scheme with a company and work your way up. As an apprentice, your employer would require you to work towards a recognised qualification such as an NVQ2 Certificate in Curtain Walling Installations.
An installer may consider progressing to a become a supervisor, site manager or estimator.
Career trends and forecasts
105,000
total people needed
The UK construction industry will need a a total of 105,000 building envelope specialist roles to meet demand between 2017 until 2021, according to the latest Construction Skills Network research (LMI). The majority of this demand will be in Greater London.
Check out the latest Building Envelope Specialist vacancies:
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For information on the Building Envelope Specialist role in Scotland please visit the Skills Development Scotland website My World of Work.
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