Furniture maker jobs

Cabinet manufacturers make or repair furniture on a small or large scale, either by hand or with machinery. They might specialize in restoring ancient furniture or putting together mass-market modern units, such as kitchens. Hardwoods such as oak, walnut, and teak are commonly used. Other materials such as plastic, metal, glass, leather, and cloth are occasionally used.

The Work

You might be:

either generating or receiving a working design

Using this drawing to determine the size of the piece of furniture as well as the amount of wood required

selecting wood and other materials like chipboard, aluminum, and plastics

generating production templates or prototypes

electric and manual tools such as saws and chisels are used to cut and shape the wood.

Dovetailing and jointing procedures are used to attach the parts together.

Including any decorative elements like staining, marbling, or marquetry

smoothing the wood with a hand or machine, then polishing or lacquering it

incorporating handles and hinges

Pay

The graphs below are mainly for reference. Actual pay rates may differ depending on the following factors:

your workplace

the size of the business or organization for which you work

the need for the job

An apprentice cabinet maker's beginning wage ranges from £13,000 to £15,000 per year. Cabinet manufacturers with more experience might earn between £20,000 and £32,000 per year.

Conditions

You'll work at a studio, a factory, or both.

You will work roughly 40 hours per week in a manufacturing, although you may be required to work shifts and overtime. You may have to work late if you are self-employed to fulfill deadlines.

A driver's license is typically required because you may need to travel to pick up wood or deliver finished goods to customers.

Factory and workshop environments are frequently noisy and dusty.

Some of the finishing materials have a strong odor.

Wearing protective apparel, such as a face mask and ear protectors, is permissible.

Bending and stretching are part of the work.

It's possible that you'll have to lift and carry big objects.

Obtaining Admission

There are various paths to this profession.

You could gain direct employment through a training program such as a Modern Apprenticeship.

A full-time college course in furniture craftsmanship, furniture design and production, or furniture restoration is an option.

A National Certificate (NC), National Qualification (NQ), Higher National Certificate (HNC), or Higher National Diploma (HND) are all options (HND). NC programmes have a range of entry requirements, from no formal qualifications to 2-4 subjects at National 4 or 5. To get admitted to an HNC or HND, you must have 1-2 Highers.

In England, there are numerous work opportunities. Although cabinet makers are in short supply in Scotland, opportunities in related fields such as wood machinist and casemaker are available.

What is required?

You ought to be:

ability to operate with your hands

color and shape discrimination

patient

inventive and artistic

capable of paying close attention to small details

precise in terms of figures and measurements

capable of comprehending and producing technical drawings

Training

On-the-job training is possible through the employer's training program. Typically, this results in Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

At SCQF Levels 5 and 6, there are SVQs in Contemporary and Traditional Furniture Making.

SVQs may be available in college day or block release classes.

A professional organization, such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen, can assist you in establishing and maintaining a strong reputation.

Getting Started

With your qualifications and experience, you could go on to:

a management position with a furniture company

Handmade cabinet manufacturing or antique furniture restoration are examples of expert work.

design of furniture

In college, you can teach your craft.

self-employment.