French polisher

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• training with a professional body

University

Doing a higher national diploma or degree in furniture design, decorative arts or furniture restoration can be useful if you want to start your own business.

Entry requirements:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

College

You can learn polishing and finishing skills on some furniture making and restoration courses like:

• Level 2 Furniture Finishing Methods
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Furniture Restoration
• Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Design and Making

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships that may give you some of the skills needed for this role include:

• Level 2 Furniture manufacturer
• Level 2 Wood product manufacturing operative
• Level 3 Bespoke furniture maker
• Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You could do a specialist training course in french polishing with a professional body like the The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• customer service skills

What you'll do:

French polishers use traditional skills to treat wood and restore furniture and items like staircases, doors and musical instruments.

In this role you could:

• decide on the type and colour of wood stain to use
• mix and apply the stain
• apply french polish and other finishes, like lacquer, paint, varnish, oil or wax
• repair furniture

If you are self employed as a french polisher you may also need to:

market your business

deal with customers

order materials

do paperwork and manage your finances

Location : You could work in a workshop or in a factory.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager.

You could start your own business.