Furniture maker

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

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
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You could do an intermediate apprenticeship in furniture manufacturing, wood products or carpentry and joinery.

You could also complete a furniture CNC technician, bespoke furniture maker or furniture product developer advanced apprenticeship. If you specialise in coverings, you could take an upholstery advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Furniture Makers' Company for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about craft careers from Discover Creative Careers.

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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 repairing damaged furniture

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.