Upholsterer
What is the work like?
As an upholsterer you would pad and cover furniture such as chairs, bedheads and sofas. Your job could involve either of the following:
- factory work, upholstering complete items or particular parts such as chair or sofa arms
- craft work on individual pieces of new furniture or renovation or re-upholstery of old and antique furniture.
Your day-to-day tasks would typically include:
- planning the work, advising on fabrics and estimating costs
- preparing patterns and templates
- cutting out fabric
- fixing webbing and springs
- covering frames with padding and fabric using stitching, staples, tacks or glue
- making cushions
- adding trimmings such as piping, fringing and buttons.
You could also re-upholster furniture, which would involve removing old upholstery and repairing the frame before re-upholstery.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually need relevant practical skills and experience if you want to find work in production upholstery. You would then be trained on the job.
You may find one of the following qualifications useful as an introduction before looking for a job:
- NVQ Level 1 in Supporting the Production of Furniture and Furnishings
- C & G Certificate in Furniture Production levels 1-3.
If you want to be self-employed or work in a craft workshop you would need to learn the relevant skills and/or gain qualifications before starting work. Relevant qualifications include:
- C & G Level 1 Certificate in Design and Craft (7722) – an introduction to a range of options including textiles
- C & G Level 2 Certificate in Design & Craft (7822) – builds on the skills developed on the Level 1 course
- C & G Level 3 Certificate (7922) – develops advanced skills
- C & G Level 3 Diploma in Design and Craft (7923)– follows on from the Level 3 certificate.
At higher education level upholstery is part of HND, foundation degree and degree courses in furniture-related subjects such as furniture making, furniture restoration, furniture production and furniture design. If you are considering studying at this level you should check with colleges and universities for their entry requirements, as these can vary.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens in new window).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you have a job as an upholsterer, you can complete qualifications including:
- NVQ Level 2 in Making and Installing Furniture
- NVQ Level 3 in Making and Installing Production Furniture
- NVQ Level 3 in Making and Repairing Hand-crafted Furniture and Furnishings
- C & G Level 4 Higher Professional Development Diploma in Creative Arts (4440)
All the NVQs include upholstery options.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £12,500 a year.
- Experienced upholsterers can earn from £15,000 to £25,000 a year.
Earnings for self-employed upholsterers vary depending on the amount of work they have.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In factories and workshops you would usually work a 39-hour week, and may have to work some evenings and weekends. If you are self-employed you would arrange your own working hours, depending on how much work you have.
You would work in a workshop, studio or factory. If you are self-employed you might visit clients' homes to give estimates, and collect and deliver furniture.
Your work could be physically demanding, involving lifting and carrying furniture.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to take accurate measurements and work out amounts of materials
- accuracy and attention to detail
- practical skills
- patience and perseverance
- safety-awareness
- self-motivation and the ability to work without supervision, if self-employed
- good business skills, if self-employed.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed in craft workshops, by furniture manufacturers, or be self-employed.
If you work for manufacturers and other large businesses you may be able to progress to a supervisory or management position once you have experience.
If you are self-employed progression will involve building up a good reputation so that you can get regular work.
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