Furniture makers are craftsmen who build a variety of objects for display, function, and comfort. Furniture makers are highly skilled individuals who design, construct, and repair furniture or wooden products for homes and businesses. Furniture makers produce various forms of high quality furniture, like tables, chairs, cupboards, chests, drawers, lounge suites, and office furniture. Furniture makers also repair damaged furniture and restore antiques.
Preparation for a career as a furniture maker can begin while in high school. Students may enroll in courses like: English, physical education, business, algebra, and shop or technology to learn basic woodworking skills. High school students with access to trade or vocational programs in construction may learn woodworking techniques, drafting basics, tool safety, and computer skills necessary to advance career and educational goals. Additionally, working summers and breaks as a carpenter’s assistant or within the construction industry allows individuals to gain hands on experiences and perhaps increase chances of acceptance within future training programs.
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High school graduates may advance into 20 month to 5 year long apprenticeship programs to gain skills and training necessary to advance into a career as a furniture maker. Apprenticeship programs allow students to master basic training skills and progress to more difficult tasks. Many students within an apprenticeship program work as carpenter’s assistants to learn woodworking skills, tool safety and usage, and production techniques. Graduates of apprenticeship programs often gain licenses or certification to remain competitive within the industry and increase skills.
Trade or vocational schools and online colleges offer one year career diplomas to allow individuals to train as furniture makers. Students learn to draft product models, either by drawing designs or by using software as well as learn finishing techniques and problem solving. Courses like: basics of woodworking, preparation and finishing, joinery, using proper fastenings and findings, use of carpentry tools, cabinet making, refinishing, refacing, setting up a workshop, and designing furniture allow students to gain skills necessary to gain entry level jobs as furniture makers or advance to higher degree programs. Graduates of apprenticeship programs may sit for certification exams offered through the Furniture Training Organization (FITO). Candidates who demonstrate programming and construction skills to achieve the National Certificate in Furniture Making. Many certificate programs require students to continue education every two years to maintain licensing. Students awarded associates degrees may also choose to advance into bachelor degree programs or work as entry level furniture makers.
An associates degree in furniture making allows students many educational and career opportunities. Associate degree programs allow students to learn planning, management, and theory aspects of furniture making. Students participate in courses like: basics of woodworking, preparation and finishing, joinery, using proper fastenings and findings, use of carpentry tools, cabinet making, refinishing, refacing, furniture design, setting up a workshop, the history of furniture design, contemporary furniture design, drawing digital designs, business, and marketing allow students to master skills as furniture makers. Graduates from associates degree programs may advance to certification and licensing programs to gain additional training, expand client base, or continue education. Certification and licensing is available through the Furniture Training Organization (FITO). Candidates participate in exams offered through the National Certificate in Furniture Making to demonstrate programming and construction skills learned during an associates degree program. Many certificate and licensing programs require students to re-certify upon meeting continuing education standards. Students awarded associates degrees may also choose to advance into bachelor degree programs.
A bachelor degree program in furniture making allows students to learn planning, management, and theories of furniture making. Bachelor degree programs allow students to advance woodworking, construction, and history of furniture making knowledge to become masters of the trade. Students participate in courses like: basics of woodworking, material selection, tool safety and usage, preparation and finishing furniture, joinery, using proper fastenings and findings, woodworking, use of carpentry tools, refinishing, refacing, designing, setting up a workshop, furniture design, the history of furniture making, business mathematics, marketing, contemporary furniture design, client management, direct marketing, product pricing, public relations, time management, corporate identity and branding, website design and construction, computer aided drafting (CAD), and client drawing. Students may also specialize in certain aspects of furniture making including: restoring antique furniture, adhesives, staining, and bonding. A bachelor degree program enables students to advance through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on, clinical experiences working under the supervision of qualified furniture makers. Graduates from a 4 year degree program are generally considered experts within the field and qualified to work as furniture makers upon completion state or facility regulations regarding certification and/or licensing. Certification is available through the Furniture Industry Training Organization (FITO). The National Certificate in Furniture Making allows students to master proramming and operating computer controlled machinery to increase quality and advance education. Most certificate or licensing programs require individuals to demonstrate skills learned through training programs. Most certificate and licensing programs have a continuing education requirement standard for re-certification every two years. Graduates from a bachelor degree program who meet clinical and certification requirements may advance to careers as furniture makers, carpenters, and product designers or may advance to higher degrees.
Students who pursue a masters degree or higher purse a furniture making related degree in engineering, construction management, industrial design, business, or interior design as advanced degrees in furniture making are not offered. Students within master degree programs must complete classroom training and an internship requirement. Certification as determined by state and facility regulations must also me fufilled before advancing to careers as experts within the field of discipline. Doctoral degree students must meet classroom instruction requirements, internship experience, and complete a publishable dissertation within the chosen field of study before advancing to careers as professors.
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