Fence Installer

Job Description:

Fence installers put up and repair fences, gates and other barriers.

Job Category:

Professional Services

See Professional Services jobs

What you will do:

In this job, you could:

remove old fencing
read fence drawings and plans
measure and lay out new fence lines
level the ground where fencing is going to go
use hand tools or mechanical diggers to dig post holes
position wooden, concrete or metal posts and fix them to a base
cut panels to size and fix them to the posts
apply finishes like paint, staining and weatherproofing
repair fences and gates

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of building and construction
the ability to operate and control equipment
customer service skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with your hands
to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
the ability to organise your time and workload (organisational skills)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a fence installer, specific GCSE subjects are not typically required. Fence installation is a practical trade that involves working with tools and materials to construct fences and enclosures. However, certain subjects can provide a foundation for skills and knowledge relevant to this field, and a strong academic background can be helpful in various aspects of the job. Here are some recommended GCSE subjects that can be beneficial for aspiring fence installers:

Design and Technology: This subject can provide practical skills and an understanding of working with materials and tools, which are relevant for fence installation.
Mathematics: Basic mathematical skills can be helpful for measurements, calculations, and ensuring accurate fence installations.
Science: General science knowledge, including physics, can be valuable for understanding structural principles and how different materials interact when constructing fences.
Business Studies: Understanding business principles, customer service, and basic accounting can be valuable if you plan to run your own fence installation business.
Geography: Geography can provide insights into land management and geographical factors that can be relevant for fence installation, especially when considering land boundaries and property lines.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College

You can start by doing a college course. In the UK, for example, courses include:

Certificate in Basic Construction Skills
Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery

This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. You could then look for a trainee position with a fencing company.

Apprenticeship

You can do a fencing installer intermediate apprenticeship.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you have some experience in a practical job like landscape gardening or construction.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 42-44 hours of work. You could be required to work as a contractor/be self-employed away from home.

You could work on a construction site, in the countryside or at a client’s business. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression:

You could:

become a lead installer or foreperson
move into contract management or fencing sales
set up your own business