Apprenticeship in the Manufacturing of Furniture

Occupational Profile

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 be able to demonstrate their ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Core Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour Requirements

Requirements 

• Knowledge and understanding of general background of the furniture industry to include the company you are working for.
• A knowledge and understanding of the raw materials used in industry, their properties and characteristics.
• Knowledge and understanding of customer expectations. Who are the industry customers and what are their expectations in terms of packaging and delivery?
• Know the quality standards which apply to products and know how to check these have been met.
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant health, safety and environmental requirements and regulations.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant health, safety and environmental requirements and regulations.
• Identifying issues quickly and solving problems you may come across.
• Working to a high standard and meeting targets. You will need to pay attention to detail and must monitor and check the work specifications and processes.
• Comply with Health & Safety.

Behaviours

• Willing to listen, learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements. Work effectively with others and as part of a team.
• Manage your time effectively and complete work on schedule.
• Manage your time effectively and complete work on schedule.

As well as learning about and achieving the ‘core’ requirements, candidates will know how to and be able to:

• Set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce furniture. Understand tools and equipment used.
• Make components of furniture to specification within acceptable tolerances. Understand how and where components are used.
• Use appropriate equipment to cut materials within acceptable tolerances.
• Understand the principles of joints used in making hand-crafted furniture.
• Select, prepare and apply veneers to items of furniture.
• Assemble components of furniture. Understand the sequence of assembly and why this is important.
• Apply stains, sealers, basecoats and finishes to production furniture.
• Measure and mark out materials to specification.
• Sanding materials for preparation prior to assembly, post assembly and de-nibbing. Understand grit sizes and the process of sanding.
• Position components and apply cramps to ensure products are positioned securely to specification.
• Prepare and assemble components/fittings to specification, finishing and checking the assembly conforms to specifications.
• Apply adhesives to components. Understand types, methods and processes involved in gluing.
• Use and maintain jigs and templates.
• Edge banding.
• Fitting mechanical and electrical components to furniture.
• Carry out rectification work and repairs.
• Pack, handle and store products and components safely.

Assessment

1. End assessment will take the form of a portfolio of work evidencing the core modules which will contribute 30% of the final mark.
2. There will be 2 knowledge tests contributing 5%.
3. Two hour observation in the workplace which will contribute 65%.

English and Maths

If not already achieved, the apprentice will have to achieve Level 1 English and maths and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their end-point assessment.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be determined by individual employers.

Duration

The duration will typically be 24 months in duration. However, candidates can complete the course earlier providing that they have the evidence in place, are working to the right level, and have achieved Level 1 Maths and English. As a minimum requirement the candidate will serve 12 months and a day.

Candidates will attend college 1 day a week for theory and practical sessions and will be working alongside full time furniture students in the workshop and the classroom.

Level

This is a Level 2 Apprenticeship.