You could do a college course to get some of the skills needed for a trainee position with a company. 

Courses include:

• furniture making
• furniture design
• wood machining
• furnishings - traditional and modern upholstery
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply to do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a furniture manufacturing business. There are several to choose from, including:

• Furniture Manufacturer
• Furniture Making Operative
• Mattress Manufacturing Operative
• Wood Product Manufacturing Operative

You can also apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Bespoke Furniture Maker
• Advanced Furniture CNC Technician
• Fitted Furniture Design Technician
• Advanced Upholsterer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could apply directly for jobs if you have experience and qualifications in furniture or cabinet making, carpentry or upholstery.

You'll need:

• 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

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.

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.