Frequently Asked Questions
1) Q. I have a full time job which is not in the furniture industry but I am interested in doing an Apprenticeship in Furniture Making, can I do this part-time?
A. It is possible to study furniture-related subjects part-time, however to be an Apprentice you will need to be employed within the Furniture industry. Some employers will offer part-time work and you may be able to gain some suitable experience from this. You will need to ask your part-time employer whether you are able to become an Apprentice but minimum hours do apply to Apprenticeships.
2) Q. I’ve just left School and I have decided I want to work in the Furniture industry like my Dad, perhaps even become a Cabinet Maker however, I have no experience. What steps can I take to achieve this?
A. Begin your enquiries as soon as you possibly can, preferably whilst still at school. You can get a job in the industry directly from school, however you may wish this job to be covered by an apprenticeship. You will need to look up employers within your own ‘travel to work’ area using the yellow pages and/or the internet and send them a C.V – 1 page of information about yourself and what you are looking for (e.g. an Apprenticeship in …). Make a note of who you have sent the C.V to and phone them a couple of weeks later to ask whether they are able to consider your application. Get help from teachers or the careers service regarding the C.V. with regards to spelling etc. Have a think as to why you are keen on becoming a Cabinet Maker because you may also be interested in other similar jobs as well for example an Upholsterer or Wood-machinist. Also, if you want to become a Cabinet Maker as you think that you would enjoy making things from wood then perhaps you would also enjoy joinery; whatever you decide to do you will need to state this in your C.V.
3) Q. Can you provide me some general advice on where to research when finding the right Furniture Apprenticeship for me?
A. Contact all of the local colleges and training providers to ask whether they run courses in your chosen subject and ask whether they are able to give you contacts of employers the college might be connected with.
A. If you get an interview, ask the employer whether an Apprenticeship is possible.
A. Speak to your job centre regularly to see whether suitable jobs are advertised and keep an eye on the local newspaper.
A. If you live a long way from any college or training provider and you do find employment, your employer may allow you to lodge away from home on a block release basis to gain the necessary qualifications or the qualification may be able to be done at the employers premises. (Some employers are not aware of this and you could let them know).
4) Q. What is the work like?
A. Making furniture tends to be manual/physical type of work but the skill level and dexterity required is dependent upon the type of job role you are interested in doing. It is very satisfying to be able to see a piece of work that you have completed and the skills that you acquire along the way stay with you for life. Please see individual job descriptions for the role you are interested in for more detailed information on the work type.
5) Q. What personal skills will I need to do this job?
A. Personal requirements for each job within the furniture industry varies, however, most roles involve working with your hands and to high levels of accuracy. Having good hand-to-eye coordination is important. A keen interest in creating and/or installing furniture and furnishings would also certainly help.
For further information please see www.proskills.co.uk, email info@proskills.co.uk or call 01235 432 032.
