Furniture manufacturer
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Furniture Manufacturer apprenticeship trains you to produce furniture using a full range of manufacturing processes, from machining and jointing to assembly and finishing, developing the craft skills and technical knowledge to work in production or bespoke furniture workshops. You will develop understanding of materials, construction methods, and quality standards. This standard leads to skilled craftsperson, team leader, or specialist production roles in the furniture industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Wood and board materials - properties and selection
Furniture construction methods - jointing, dowelling, and carcassing
Machine setting and safe operation of woodworking machinery
Hand tool skills and bench joinery techniques
Surface preparation and basic finishing skills
Quality inspection and rectification of defects
Health, safety, and environmental practices in manufacturing
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Machine and prepare components from timber and board
Cut joints and assemble furniture carcasses and frames
Use hand tools for fitting, trimming, and detail work
Set up and operate CNC and conventional woodworking machinery
Inspect finished furniture for accuracy and quality
Apply primers or sealers before hand-off to finishing
Maintain tools and keep the workshop safe and tidy
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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