UK Career Advice

Upholstery Technician: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Upholstery Technician?

As an Upholstery Technician, your job would mainly involve repairing or replacing the cushioning, fabric or leather covers on furniture and sometimes vehicle interiors. You could be working on various pieces such as chairs, sofas, car seats and even the decorative trimmings found inside aircrafts.

How do I become a Upholstery Technician?

As an Upholstery Technician, your job would mainly involve repairing or replacing the cushioning, fabric or leather covers on furniture and sometimes vehicle interiors. You could be working on various pieces such as chairs, sofas, car seats and even the decorative trimmings found inside aircrafts.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Upholstery Technician?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Upholstery Technician

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Proficient in furniture upholstery techniques and materials
  • Strong attention to detail and precision in work
  • Ability to assess and repair furniture frames and springs
  • Knowledge of different types of fabrics and their suitability for upholstery
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
  • Effective communication skills to understand client requirements
  • Time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines
  • Problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and resolve upholstery issues
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations in the furniture industry
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic requirements
  • Some employers may require GCSEs/S grades
  • Training provided off- and on-the-job
  • NVQs/SVQs in Upholstered Furniture Production available at Level 2

Career Path

Upholstery Technician
Furniture Designer
Furniture Restorer
Interior Decorator
Furniture Sales Representative
Custom Furniture Maker
Furniture Production Manager
Textile Designer
Furniture Store Manager
Antique Furniture Restorer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job description of a upholstery cutter?

The job description of an upholstery cutter in the UK involves cutting out fabric according to patterns, attaching webbing and springs to seats, and covering frames with padding and fabric using sewing machines, stitches, staples, tacks, and glue. They may also use decorative techniques such as fringing, piping, and buttoning.

What is the job description of an upholstery person?

The job description of an upholstery technician in the UK involves making and repairing furniture with soft, padded textile coverings. This includes selecting, measuring, cutting, fitting, and sewing fabric and leather materials. Upholstery technicians work on household furnishings as well as in the interior of cars and airplanes.

What skills are needed to be an upholsterer?

To be an upholsterer, you need to have skills such as being thorough and paying attention to detail, working well with your hands, using your initiative, being flexible and open to change, having knowledge of manufacturing production and processes, having design skills and knowledge, and being able to use, repair, and maintain machines and tools.

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