Curtain wall installer
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Curtain Wall Installer apprenticeship trains you to fix, adjust, and seal the aluminium-framed glass facade systems that clad modern commercial and high-rise buildings. You will work at height, installing heavy glazing units, structural silicone, and cladding panels to exact engineering specifications. This Level 3 trade qualification is in high demand across the commercial construction and specialist facade sectors.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How curtain wall systems are designed and how components fit together
Safe working at height including use of rope access, MEWP, and scaffold
Setting out and fixing aluminium frame sections to structure
Glazing - handling, cutting, bedding, and sealing glass units
Weatherproofing and the application of structural and weather silicone sealants
Reading facade installation drawings and understanding tolerances
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Fix curtain wall frame sections to structural slabs and columns
Lift, position, and secure double-glazed units into the curtain wall frame
Apply and finish structural and weather-seal silicone to manufacturer spec
Fit cladding panels, louvres, and opening vents within the facade
Carry out in-process checks and report defects to the site supervisor
Work safely at significant height using MEWP, rope access, or scaffolding
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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