Furniture skills and training
BFA is proud to be a founding member of the Furnishings Industry Education Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA).
FIESTA helps businesses across the furniture sector (manufacturers, suppliers and retailers) recruit and train the next generation of skilled talent. Whether you’re completely new to apprenticeships or looking to improve your recruitment process, FIESTA provides tailored support to make it easy to find, train and develop apprentices.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeships offer a practical way to build and strengthen your workforce. In the furniture industry, opportunities cover both hands-on and business-based roles.
Specialist roles include:
- Bespoke furniture maker
- Furniture manufacturer
- Furniture finisher
- Upholsterer
- Wood product operative
- Fitted interiors installer
- CNC specialists and technicians
Business functions covered include:
- Sales
- Customer service
- Administration
- Team leadership
- Management
- Warehousing
Support for Employers
FIESTA provides guidance and services to make apprenticeship recruitment straightforward, including:
- Helping you identify the right apprenticeship standards for your business
- Connecting you with suitable training providers
- Templates and tools to support job descriptions, onboarding and induction
- Advice on advertising vacancies and attracting the right candidates
- Structured frameworks to help apprentices settle in and succeed
With government funding available to cover most apprenticeship training, this is a practical and accessible route for businesses of all sizes to develop skilled staff, create new career opportunities and ensure the future strength of the UK furniture industry.
This online resource is geared towards individuals aged 15 to 24 who are navigating career decisions and guides those in search of industry-specific training pathways by connecting job seekers interested in the furniture industry with potential employers.
The website includes:
- A complimentary jobs board tailored to early career opportunities, acting as a bridge between the industry and thousands of aspiring job seekers. Employers posting job listings can choose to establish a dedicated company page for enhanced organisational promotion.
- An easily searchable repository housing comprehensive information about industry-specific training options available across the UK, encompassing apprenticeship programs.
- Consistent delivery of inspiring and enlightening content specifically designed to resonate with young audiences. This content serves to motivate them towards pursuing enriching careers within the furniture and furnishing sector. By showcasing the extensive array of roles and prospects within the industry, this content strives to captivate young talents, encouraging them to delve into and fulfil their passions.
If you are looking for a career in furniture, want to see what training is available near you, or just want to be inspired, visit MyFurnitureCareer.org.uk