Advanced upholsterer
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An advanced upholsterer works with a wide range of materials and techniques to create, restore, and repair upholstered furniture such as sofas, chairs, and headboards to a high standard. Apprentices develop skills in cutting, springing, padding, and covering furniture, including the restoration of antique and heritage pieces. This apprenticeship can lead to specialist restoration work, workshop management, or self-employment.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Traditional and modern upholstery techniques and construction methods
Fabric cutting, pattern matching, and material estimation
Spring systems including coil, serpentine, and webbing bases
Restoration and conservation of antique upholstered furniture
Health and safety including fire regulation compliance for fabrics
Customer consultation and interpreting briefs and specifications
Sewing machine operation for cushion covers and piping
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Strip and assess existing upholstery on furniture before restoration
Rebuild frames and apply new webbing, springs, and foam foundations
Cut and match fabric precisely to minimise waste and align patterns
Pad and cover furniture to a smooth, professional finish
Operate industrial sewing machines to produce cushion covers and piping
Advise clients on fabric choices, durability, and cost options
Complete finishing details such as buttoning, pleating, and tacking
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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