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Furniture maker

Furniture makers make and restore items like chairs, tables, beds and display cabinets.

Average annual salary

£20,000 to £28,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making
  • Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
  • Level 3 Diploma in Wood Machining
  • T Level in Craft and Design

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

The following intermediate apprenticeships could lead into this role:

  • Furniture manufacturer
  • Wood product manufacturing operative

You could also complete an advanced apprenticeship like:

  • Advanced furniture CNC technician
  • Bespoke furniture maker
  • New furniture product developer
  • Fitted furniture design technician

If you specialise in coverings, you could take an advanced upholsterer apprenticeship.

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

DirectApplication

You could apply for jobs if you have experience or qualifications in furniture or cabinet making, or carpentry. Employers often value skills and experience over qualifications.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • observation and recording skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
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What you'll do:

Furniture makers make and restore items like chairs, tables, beds and display cabinets.

You'll work mainly with wood but you'll also use metals, plastics and other materials. In your day-to-day tasks could:

  • work out what to do from technical drawings
  • cut and shape materials with hand and machine tools
  • create designs for furniture on paper and on computer
  • estimate the quantity and type of materials needed
  • assemble items
  • add parts like brackets, hinges, handles and locks
  • apply finishes like polishes and varnishes
  • restore antiques or repair damaged furniture

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

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Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

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Career Path:

With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or quality control inspector. With further training, you could move into furniture design.

In larger firms, you could work in estimating, retail buying, sales or training.

You could also start your own business and specialise in hand-crafted furniture or restoring antique items.

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