Maintenance

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist short courses
• 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. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making
• Level 2 Diploma in 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

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 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 Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Apprenticeships include:

• Furniture Restorer
• Advanced Upholsterer
• Bespoke Furniture Maker

These 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:

• 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 direct for jobs.

Other routes

You can do short courses in woodworking skills and restoration techniques through the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association.

More information

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

View all vacancies in this region

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