Fence Installers use a wide range of materials to install and repair many different types of fences.
Fence Installers may use concrete, timber, wire, plastic and metal to install and repair fences. Fence Installers work at various locations including:
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Gardens
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Roads
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Motorways and bridges
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Building sites
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Industrial sites and factories
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Airfields
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Prison perimeters
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Sports grounds
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Zoos and animal sanctuaries
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Farms
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Forests
Fence Installers are needed for a number of reasons, such as security, public safety, safety on roads and motorways, as environmental sound barriers and for keeping in farm animals.
The work of Fence Installers can be very varied. They could be building a timber panel fence around a garden, installing many miles of crash barriers on a new motorway, or putting up a high-security fence around an airport or industrial site. It also includes work with automatic gates and access barriers.
At the start of a job, Quantity Surveyors or Contract Managers prepare the site and plan out where the fence needs to go. Fence Installers usually work as part of a team with other Fence Installers and may be involved in the site preparation themselves. This involves levelling the site and digging holes and foundations, either by hand or using machines.
Different methods are used to put up strained wire fences, high security fences or vehicle restraint systems.
Much of the work is manual, but they could also use fork-lift trucks, excavators and dumper trucks. When the fence has been put up it might need to be treated with preservatives or protective coatings.
Fence Installers usually work around 40 hours a week. Many companies offer overtime and weekend work. Contracts often have tight time schedules and can be spread across different locations. Fence Installers work outside, in all weathers. The work is physically demanding due to the lifting of heavy materials and site preparation.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live:
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starting salaries for Fence Installers are around £15,000 a year
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Fence Installers with some experience may earn between £20,000 and £30,000
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a highly experienced Fence Installers leading a team could earn up to £40,000 or more
- Establish a safe working environment
- Excavate and form foundations for fencing
- Place and fix fencing components
- Place and fix posts
- Cast concrete
- Inspect fencing to identify defects and repair options
- Reinstate defective fencing
- Carry out maintenance procedures
- Operate power tools and attachments
- Assist with establishing plants after planting
- Operate plant or machinery to excavate
- Communicate information to customers
- Use, maintain and repair hand-held equipment
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Numeracy
- Problem-Solving
- Work in a team / with others
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Mobility
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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find employment
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improve your current skills
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gain promotion
To find out more click the relevant country button:-
Qualifications and training
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship is available in Fencing. There are no set entry requirements for these Apprenticeships. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.
The Apprenticeships have pathways in Fencing and Fencing - Vehicle Safety. They include the following basic qualifications:
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An appropriate Diploma in Work-based Fencing/Fencing - Vehicle Safety (previously National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)) at Level 2
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Key or Functional Skills
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Basic boundary fence course
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A Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Course for Fence Installers and Operatives
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An other appropriate certificate
Further information on Apprenticeships in Fencing can be found on the Apprenticeship website.
Other training
Many Fence Installers learn practical skills on the job. They also learn about the different kinds of materials that are used.
For work on all construction sites and Highways Agency contracts fencers require a Fencing Industry Skills Scheme / Construction Skills Certification Scheme (FISS/CSCS) card. The FISS is run by Lantra Awards in partnership with the Constructions Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
The FISS/CSCS card is the hallmark of quality for fencing operatives and is essential for fence installers working for major contractors and national highways construction projects.
To obtain a skilled installers (blue) card you must complete the Level 2 Diploma in Fencing (previous NVQ title). as well as completing the health, safety and environmental awareness course and passing the health and safety test There is also a level 3 Diploma in Fencing which is designed for those in a supervisory role, leading to a supervisors (gold) card.
Useful Links:
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Lantra Awards
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Lantra CourseFinder - finding the right course isn't always easy but with over 8,000 courses from over 600 training providers in England.
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Landex - find a land-based college course near you
It is important to:
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enjoy working outside
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have an interest in construction
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enjoy working on a project
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have an interest in the environment
There are around 3,200 fencing businesses throughout the UK. Jobs are available in areas such as landscaping, construction, local government, airfields and prisons, the voluntary sector, forestry and agriculture.
Fence Installers can work for large or small companies, or be self-employed. With the growth in road networks, prison building and the increasing importance of environmental conservation, fencing opportunities are likely to increase.
There are no specific entry requirements but it is useful to have GCSEs grades (A*-E), in maths, technology and English, or equivalent qualifications. New entrants need to undertake health and safety training, pass a health and safety test and hold a Fencing Industry Skills Scheme/Construction Skills Certification Scheme (FISS/CSCS) card before working on construction sites
For Fence Installers who wish to develop their career, there may be opportunities for promotion. They could move into supervisory roles, contract management, quantity surveying or health and safety management.
It is possible for experienced Fence Installers to set up their own business.
Fence Installers can also work for large international construction groups, building roads or airports. These companies may offer the possibility of overseas employment.
For further information on careers in the sector you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail fen@lantra.co.uk
You can also find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Industry Information
Publications (Some may be priced):
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Working Outdoors - Trotman
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Fencing and Landscaping News
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Perimeter systems
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Construction News