Furniture and furnishings

My Furniture Career 

My Furniture Career is the only recruitment website where candidates can find job opportunities from companies operating in all sectors of the wider UK furniture and furnishing industry – from beds and kitchens to textiles and upholstery. 

Their comprehensive directory will connect you to hundreds of established and recognised providers of educational courses and training programmes, including everything from short upholstery courses to advanced degrees in product design. 

Furniture makers make and restore items like chairs, tables, beds and display cabinets. The average starting salary is £20,000 to an experienced salary of £28,000. Typically 42 to 44 hours per week, more if you run your own company, this could also include evenings and weekends.

For college courses, you may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3, or equivalent, for a level 2 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and Maths for a T Level

For an apprenticeship, you may need:

• Some GCSEs, usually including English and Maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and Maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You'll work mainly with wood but you'll also use metals, plastics and other materials and work in a workshop or in a factory. Your day-to-day role could include:

• Cutting and shaping materials with hand and machine tools

• Creating designs for furniture

• Estimate the quantity and type of materials needed

• Assemble items

• Apply finishing touches like polishes and varnishes

• Restore antiques or repair damaged furniture