The furniture industry is a growth industry for the UK. According to Government statistics UK furniture manufacturing companies contributed £8.76 billion to the country’s GDP and employ over 120,000 people.
If you have a passion for furniture production and want to broaden your skills and experience our apprenticeship programmes can help you create a career in this rewarding industry.
You are assigned your own workbench from the beginning to help you find your feet. Working side-by-side with your peers your find the apprenticeships are highly practical.
Working in partnership with the renowned Rycotewood Furniture Centre at City of Oxford College – offers learners the opportunity to develop skills in a host of areas, including the use of hand tools, woodwork machinery, assembly and finishing, Design – CAD/sketching and an awareness of commercial practice.
Programmes and qualifications available
This programme is specifically designed to meet the training needs of the bespoke furniture industry. This two-year programme will include regular visits to Rycotewood Furniture Oxford – a leading furniture education provider. You’ll be working in fully equipped apprentice training workshop with highly experienced and dedicated staff. This is fully developed apprenticeship programme specifically designed for bespoke furniture manufacturers.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce and assemble bespoke pieces of furniture to meet individual customers’ requirements. This can cover pieces such as tables, chairs, cabinets, office furniture, kitchens and bedrooms. Bespoke Furniture Makers work with and need to understand a variety of materials – including wood, metals, glass, plastics, fabric, finishes and other relevant materials.
Facilities and support
As a furniture apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the following facilities at Activate Learning colleges:
- Libraries and learning environments
- Ability to borrow books and laptops
- Digital resources and programmes
- A student card – allowing you to take advantage of student discounts
- Can apply for an Apprentice extra Totum Card
Advice and support services for apprentices includes:
- Advice and Admissions
- Learning Support
- Student Support
- Impartial careers advisors
- 1:1 support
- A college nurse
- Free counselling service
Career pathways
A furniture apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in a variety of roles in the furniture industry. You may choose to progress with your employer, change jobs or study a higher-level apprenticeship.