This apprenticeship standard is in the process of being revised. In the meantime, the version below remains approved for delivery. Further details of this and other occupational standards in revision are available in the revisions status report.
Making all kinds of beds, furniture and their related furnishings in a workshop or factory.
The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors industry is of significant importance to the UK economy, particularly in the supply of end products for residential and commercial living and work places. The industry has an annual turnover well in excess of £12 billion. The ability to work to agreed targets in terms of output and quality standards is essential. Workplaces can be wide - ranging from small workshops to large factories. Furniture Manufacturers must be dexterous, have a good work ethic and able to demonstrate their ability to work individually and as part of a team.
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The programme is designed to give a wide range of skills appropriate to the different occupations in the industry. |
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The following options from the standard are available for new starts:
The following options from this standard have been replaced with new apprenticeships:
The following options from this standard have now been retired:
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Each apprentice will take the occupational route that is best suited to the business they work in. They will complete all the core requirements set out below and then the set number of requirements for the chosen route.
Each business, depending on size, market position and skills needs, will require a different combination of the optional requirements detailed within each occupational area. This apprenticeship is designed to allow the business and the apprentice to agree which of these options are most valuable to the apprentice and organisation. The number of requirements is set for each occupational area as being the minimum needed to ensure competence and transferability but any employer is free to train their apprentice in additional requirements outside of the apprenticeship and at their own cost.
Typical job titles include: General furniture manufacturer, Bed manufacturer, Modern upholsterer, Furniture maker, Cabinet maker, Furniture designer, Mattress maker, Divan maker, Headboard maker
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KNOWLEDGE |
WHAT IS REQUIRED |
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| Industry | Knowledge and understanding of general background of the furniture industry. |
| Organisation |
Knowledge and understanding of the company you are working in. This includes understanding the manufacturing process and how you contribute and fit into it. |
| Materials |
Knowledge and understanding of industry materials. Properties and characteristics of materials used within your organisation |
| Customers |
Knowledge and understanding of customer expectations. Who are the industry customers and what are their expectations in terms of packaging and delivery? |
| Quality Standards |
Know the quality standards which apply to the products and how to check that these have been met. Read and interpret specifications, drawings, cutting lists and other relevant technical information used within your organisation. |
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Health, Safety and Environment |
Knowledge and understanding of the relevant health, safety and environmental requirements and regulations. Understand sustainability within the industry. |
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SKILLS |
WHAT IS REQUIRED |
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Maintain Tools and Equipment |
Perform regular autonomous maintenance tasks on machinery, tools and equipment used. |
| Problem Solving | Identify issues quickly, solve problems and apply appropriate solutions. |
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Achieve quality and output targets |
Carry out work to required quality standards and output targets. High attention to detail, must monitor and check work meets specifications and must follow methodology and processes. |
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Health and Safety |
Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, relevant statutory regulations, industry standards and codes of practice at all times |
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BEHAVIOURS |
WHAT IS REQUIRED |
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Collaboration and Adaptability |
Willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements. Work effectively with others in a team whilst maintaining effective professional working |
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Time management |
Time management and ability to complete work to schedule |
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Pride in the workplace |
Organise work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing items used, maintaining work area and sustaining order |
A Modern Upholsterer is a skilled and methodical individual capable of creating ergonomic and comfortable furniture using both traditional and modern techniques, materials and fabrics to produce aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose consumer products.
In order to ensure sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of the industry whilst maintaining the rigour of every single apprenticeship within it, Modern Upholsterers will need to undertake five of the following requirements, at least two must be Group A.
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Group |
A |
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Cut Fabrics and Components |
Prepare and cut fabric and components used in upholstery. |
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Frame Construction |
Construct upholstery frames to specification. Understanding the methods used to construct frames |
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Sewn or Seamed Components |
Produce sewn or seamed components by hand and through the use of machinery. |
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Suspensions and Foundations |
Select materials for suspensions including springs, pocket springs, sprung units and webbing. Apply these to frames using appropriate modern or traditional methods, tools and equipment. |
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Upholstering |
Measure and cut fabric, fit, apply and finish top covers including fluting, pleating and buttoning. |
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Loose Covers |
Cut, sew and fit loose covers to specification. |
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Repair |
Repair joints and frame ready for re-upholstery and revive and polish show-wood frame. |
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Group |
B |
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Jigs and Templates |
Use and maintain jigs and templates. Jigs are used to ensure repeatability and accuracy in the production of furniture. These can be hand held or mounted on workbenches. |
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Produce Templates |
Determine details of templates from specifications, mark out, measure dimensions and cut templates using appropriate tools and equipment. |
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Resolve Faults in Leather |
Deal with scuffs, scratches, stains, burn marks, water marks and discolouration in leather. |
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Filling Materials |
Select and fix filling materials. Understand different types and fixing methods |
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Fit Mechanical or Electrical Components |
Assemble, fit and quality assure components. |
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Cushions and Padded Items |
Measure and cut fabric; sew components to produce scatter, box and bolster cushions. |
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Frame Finishes |
Finish and polish show-wood frames, apply stains, sealers basecoats and finishes. |
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Trimmings and Finishings |
Position and fix trimmings and finishings. This includes castors, valances, borders, skirts, dust covers and feet and legs. |
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Strip Down Furniture |
Strip back existing upholstery to frames. Understand when and how to retain original foundation work |
Modern Furniture Service Repairers fix a wide range of problems, including damage to furniture, upholstery, beds, mattresses, mechanisms and fittings. They visit customers’ premises to inspect items, assess requirements and carry out repairs.
To be a Modern Furniture Service Repairer you should have a hands on approach, with good practical skills, excellent communication skills, an eye for detail and good observational and co-ordination skills. You should have a patient and organised approach, good listening skills and be an ambassador for your company.
The programme is designed to give a wide range of skills appropriate to Modern Furniture Service Repair and will lead to a lifelong trade.
In order to ensure sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of the industry whilst maintaining the rigour of every single apprenticeship within it Modern Furniture Service Repairers will be able to undertake all mandatory and three of the optional requirements.
Mandatory
YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO AND BE ABLE TO
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Preparation |
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Assessment |
Carry out an assessment of the fault. Assess and specify requirements for work to be carried out and agree with customers. |
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Customer Service |
Develop customer relationships. This includes building customer confidence in the level of service provided, meeting the ongoing needs and expectations of customers and developing relationships between customers and your organisation. |
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Sign off Recommendations |
Provide customers with relevant aftercare and instructions and recommendations for future use. |
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Report |
Complete reports on the work carried out. |
Optional
YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO AND BE ABLE TO
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Repair |
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Upholstery |
Repair upholstery faults including fabrics, frames, fillings, stitching, scratches, scuffs, tears, holes, seam issues, discolouration and colour loss, arms, collapsed surfaces and springs. |
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Furniture |
Repair furniture faults including cosmetic, structural, veneers, foil and laminated surfaces. |
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Beds and mattresses |
Repair beds and mattress faults including broken frames, replacing tufts, damaged stitching and mattress settlement. |
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Flat pack |
Repair flat pack furniture faults including cosmetic and structural. |
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Mechanisms and fittings |
Repair or replace mechanism and fittings faults including lifting mechanisms, recliners and electrical components. |
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Leather repairs |
Repair scuffs, scratches, stains, burn marks, water marks and discolouration in leather. |
English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
Typically this apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete.
After 3 years.
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