Furniture restorers repair and protect pieces of modern and old furniture, returning them as closely as possible to their original condition.
This occupation is found in the furniture and interiors industry. Furniture restorers repair and protect pieces of modern and old furniture, returning them as closely as possible to their original condition. They normally work with wood, but some pieces may include other materials such as ivory, bone, mother of pearl, pewter, brass , silver and other metals, stone and precious stones and marbles. As well as furniture, they may work on other objects made of wood such as musical instruments. Furniture Restorers tend to work in small workshops, but can also work on historical and heritage sites, such as stately homes or in museums, with national historic or private collections. Employers vary in size from small to large. Furniture Restorers repair, revive and renovate furniture. The work can range from minor repairs, such as re-gluing an arm or drawer, to completely rebuilding a piece, including making identical replacement components. Conservation is the care or treatment that repairs damage and takes action to prevent or slow down further deterioration of an object. Restoration is the care or treatment in which the goal is to bring an object back to its original appearance or function. Activities will vary depending on the pieces being restored or conserved and the needs of the customer.
The broad purpose of the occupation is the restoration and conservation of antique and modern furniture. They use traditional and scientific restoration and conservation techniques. They assess, evaluate and research agreeing the scope of the work with customers. They identify tools, materials, set up and operate machinery. They repair, replicate and restore components and finish surfaces using basic methods. They re-upholster and apply decorative effects. They also carry out basic maintenance and maintain the work area. They identify and solve problems, complete reports and issue aftercare instructions.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other restorers, other craftspeople, suppliers and customers. They typically report to a manager or business owner.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the quality of their own work and meeting customer deadlines and requirements. They also make recommendations to customers on the restoration, treatment options and aftercare instructions. They must work within health and safety and environmental and sustainability regulations. This includes use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Depending on the size of the organisation, they may be required to work on their own, or they may work as part of a wider team.
Furniture guilder
Furniture restorer
Historic interiors conservator
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 36 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 45 minutes to complete it.
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 3 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 22/08/2024 | Not set |
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