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provided by learndirect national learning advice

Upholsterer

The Work
Upholsterers shape and cover furniture such as chairs, bedheads and sofas. The two main types of work are production and craft upholstery.

Production upholstery generally involves work with new furniture, using pre-cut materials. Some upholsters may be employed working on a particular part of the job, whilst others work on the item as a whole.

Craft upholsterers work on new furniture, renovate or re-upholster old and antique furniture, and use a variety of tools and materials. They may be required to give advice and estimate the costs of repairs.

Hours and Conditions
Working hours vary, but some evening and weekend work may be required.

Upholsterers are usually employed in factories, which may be noisy and dusty, or in traditional craft workshops where the conditions are likely to be more pleasant.

Skills and Interests
To be an upholster you should:

be very skilled at taking measurements and calculating quantities
be able to pay good attention to detail and accuracy
be practical and enjoy using machinery and tools
have an interest in furniture design and history
have an appreciation of fabrics, colour and design
have patience and perseverance
be physically fit as the work involves moving furniture
be safety conscious; well organised and tidy
be self-motivated and able to work without supervision, particularly if self-employed
have good interpersonal skills in order to get on with customers and colleagues
if self-employed, have good business skills.

Training
For those employed in the industry, relevant qualifications include:

City and Guilds award NVQs / SVQs at Levels 1-3 in Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors. This covers introductory skills through to advanced techniques in either production line or handcrafted furniture. Levels 2 and 3 are usually completed through the workplace
NVQs / SVQs at Levels 1-3 in Assembled and Upholstered Furniture Production
NVQs / SVQs at Levels 1-3 in Producing Handcrafted Furniture.

City and Guilds award a Level 4 Creative Arts Higher Professional Development Diploma. This is suitable for people who work in creative businesses including upholstery and soft furnishings.

Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:

MAPPs (England)
Skillseekers (Scotland)
National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs (Northern Ireland)

The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors National Training Organisation (FFINTO) and the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) provide training in business and marketing skills for self-employed upholsterers.

Opportunities
Most upholsterers are employed in craft workshops, by furniture manufacturers, or are self-employed. Prospects for promotion are limited.

Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.

An experienced upholsterer will earn on average around £17,000. Income may be increased with overtime payments and bonuses.

The pay of upholsterers who are self-employed varies considerably between individuals and from week to week.

Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors National Training Organisation (FFINTO)
Tel: 0115 9221200
www.ffinto.org

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers
Tel: 01633 215454
www.upholsterers.co.uk