Furniture restorer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist short courses
• applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• art and design
• furniture design
• furniture restoration
• product design

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making
• Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Finishing Methods
• T Level in Craft and Design

Some colleges and adult education centres run more informal courses in craft and restoration. Courses include topics like repair methods, staining, veneers and French polishing.

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

Apprenticeships that will give you some of the knowledge and skills needed to do this job include:

• intermediate furniture manufacturer
• advanced upholstery
• advanced bespoke furniture maker

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

If you have advanced skills from working in upholstery, furniture manufacture or carpentry you may be able to apply direct for jobs.

OtherRoutes

You can do short courses in woodworking skills and restoration techniques through the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association .

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

What you'll do:

Furniture restorers repair and conserve modern and antique pieces of furniture.

You could:

• work out the best way to conserve or restore a piece of furniture
• advise customers about restoration options
• estimate prices and give quotes
• gather the materials needed for a job
• use techniques like woodturning, veneering and marquetry
• mix and apply colours and stains
• gild, polish and upholster items
• keep photographic and written records of the process

Location : You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be dusty.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours variable

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

Career Path:

You could set up your own furniture restoration business, carrying out work for organisations and the public, or work as a consultant for museums, auction houses, historical or heritage sites, or antique dealers.