Course Overview

You need to be employed to start an Apprenticeship. Please visit our vacancy page or if you have an employer, please ensure you add full contact details of your employer within your application. If you are unable to secure employment, you could enrol on a full-time study programme and transfer to an Apprenticeship at a later date. Please apply for a full-time course as your second option.

This apprenticeship is for those interested in furniture upholstery. The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors industry is of significant importance to the UK economy, particularly in the supply of end products for residential and commercial living and work places. The industry has an annual turnover well in excess of £12 billion. The ability to work to agreed targets in terms of output and quality standards is essential. Workplaces can be wide – ranging from small workshops to large factories. Furniture Manufacturers must be dexterous, have a good work ethic and able to demonstrate their ability to work individually and as part of a team.

What does the course involve?

• Prepare and cut fabric and components used in upholstery.
• Construct upholstery frames to specification. Understanding the methods used to construct frames
• Produce sewn / seamed components by hand and through the use of machinery.
• Select materials for suspensions including springs, pocket springs, sprung units and webbing. Apply these to frames using appropriate modern or traditional methods, tools and equipment.
• Measure and cut fabric, fit, apply and finish top covers including fluting, pleating and buttoning.
• Cut, sew and fit loose covers to specification.
• Repair joints and frame ready for re-upholstery and revive and polish show-wood frame.

Most jobs combine a number of these aspects, but whichever job you choose to do, your Apprenticeship will be structured so that the training matches your job. You will work for your employer four days a week and train for one day a week either in-house or at College.

Apprentices can start this apprenticeship at any time of year.

Assessment Methods

The End Point Assessment will be a multiple choice test, professional discussion, practical assessment and direct observations from an external agency.  This will take place within your workplace.

You will be appointed an Assessor who will visit you in the workplace and assess your progress. Some of these visits will provide you with evidence that you can use towards our qualification. One day a week you will work on your college course work gaining the underpinning knowledge required

Functional Skills in Maths, English (exemptions may apply).

Progression Options

Full-time employment.