Furniture maker

As a furniture maker, you could:

• plan your work based on technical drawings and templates
•  estimate the quantity and type of materials needed for a job
•  cut and shape materials using hand and power tools
•  assemble and upholster items
•  add trimmings to chairs and beds, like piping, fringing and buttons
•  apply finishes like polishes and varnishes
•  repair and restore damaged furniture

You'll work mainly with wood but you'll also use metals, plastics, fabrics and other materials.

• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or quality control manager. With more training, you might move into:

• furniture design
• interior design
• antique furniture restoration

In larger firms, you may have opportunities to work in estimating, retail buying, marketing or training.

You could also start your own business and specialise in creating bespoke hand-crafted pieces of furniture.