Arts & crafts

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• art and design
• furniture design
• furniture restoration
• product design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Subjects include:

• furniture making
• furniture finishing methods
• T Level in Craft and Design

Some colleges and adult education centres run more informal courses in craft and restoration. Courses include topics like repair methods, staining, veneers and French polishing.

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Furniture Finisher Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You might also apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Furniture Restorer
• Advanced Upholsterer
• Bespoke Furniture Maker

These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

If you have advanced skills from working in upholstery, furniture manufacture or carpentry you may be able to apply directly for jobs.

More information

Career tips

You can do short courses in woodworking skills, restoration methods and French polishing through the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association.

Short courses can give you an insight into the profession, and the type of skills required.

Further information

You can find out more about training and careers in furniture restoration and conservation through:The Institute of Conservation; the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association

With experience, you could set up your own furniture restoration business, carrying out work for organisations and the public. You could also work as a consultant for:museums; historical or heritage sites; auction houses or antique dealers

You might wish to specialise in areas such as French polishing, upholstery or a particular period or style of furniture.