Overview
Upholsterers cover chairs, sofas, and other furniture with padding and fabric. This is called upholstery.
Activities
- Advising on fabrics and estimating costs
- preparing patterns and templates
- cutting fabric to correct measurements
- covering furniture frames with padding and fabric, using stitching, staples, tacks or glue
- making soft furnishings like cushions
- removing old upholstery and repairing frames before re-upholstering
Organisation
In The Black Country Some upholsterers work for Furniture manufacturers however many are self-employed.
Workplace
Upholsterers can work in a factory, a workshop, or at home.
Working Hours
Upholsterers generally work between 37 and 40 hours a week.
Salary
Starting salary is around £12,500
Qualifications
You’ll usually need: some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. Although some employers may be more flexible, You may be able to get work as a trainee upholsterer, without any experience. You would then do qualifications and get experience on the job.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.