Skills Development › Furniture Upholsterer
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Furniture Upholsterer

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Furniture Upholsterer. A Furniture Upholsterer manufactures an upholstered furnishing item by fitting suspension and padding and covering a frame to give it shape, comfort, and functionality for a range of domestic, commercial and decorative uses.

Overview

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Read and interpret a design, drawing or sketch and take accurate measurements and calculate/estimate the number of fabrics, leather, man-made fabrics, padding and other raw material such as springs and webbing.
  • Make upholstery patterns and produce templates from sketches, customer descriptions or blueprints which match all quality standards.
  • Lay out, measure, cut and sew upholstery materials following patterns, templates, sketches, or design specifications.
  • Interpret specifications and prepare foundations for upholstered frames by attaching webbing, springs, foam and/or padding securely to the frame.
  • Fit slipcovers and loose material panels to cover frames with materials using staples, tacks and/or glue.
  • Manufacture upholstered furniture, upholstery prototypes and repair and re-upholster damaged furniture.

Career Paths

This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competencies to operate as upholsterers by applying upholstery skills to fit springs, webbing, padding and covering a wide range of objects covered with fabric, leather, rexine or other upholstery material. After successful completion of this qualification, the learner will be skilled and capable of creating ergonomic and comfortable furniture using both traditional and modern techniques, materials and fabrics to produce aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose consumer products. 
 
Learners will find employment as frame preparers, cover fitters, patternmakers and furniture finishers, upholsterers or upholstery prototype makers and upholstery repairers. These skills will also open opportunities for self-employment. 
 
Target groups identified include school leavers with a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 qualification or persons who have been working in the furniture industry without formal qualifications and have the desire to formalise their skills and knowledge. 
 

Available Courses

5 Courses

Furniture Upholsterer – Full Qualification – NQF Level 4

Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Furniture Upholsterer
Duration: 5,490 Hours
Level: NQF Level 4
Modules: 3 Modules

Occupational Purpose The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Furniture Upholsterer. Occupational...

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Upholstery Cover Fitter & Template Maker – Part Qualification – NQF Level 3

Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Upholstery Cover Fitter and Template Maker (Part Qualification)
Duration: 970 Hours
Level: NQF Level 3
Modules: 3 Modules

Occupational Purpose An Upholstery Cover Fitter and Template Maker fits and attaches advanced upholstery covers to complex and exposed prepared upholstery frames using hand and...

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Upholstery Cover Fitter – Part Qualification – NQF Level 2

Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Upholstery Cover Fitter (Part Qualification)
Duration: 560 Hours
Level: NQF Level 1 or 3 years relevant experience.
Modules: 3 Modules

Occupational Purpose An Upholstery Cover Fitter fits and attaches prepared covers and loose material panels onto prepared upholstery frames using staples, tacks and/or glue. Occupational...

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Upholstery Frame Preparer – Part Qualification – NQF Level 2

Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Upholstery Frame Preparer (Part Qualification)
Duration: 560 Hours
Level: NQF Level 2
Modules: 3 Modules

Occupational Purpose An Upholstery Frame Preparer prepares upholstery frames for final covering by attaching springs, webbing, and foam or other padding. Occupational Tasks This qualification...

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Skills Programme Basic Furniture Upholsterer – NQF Level 2

Qualification: Basic Furniture Upholsterer
Duration: 35 Days
Level: NQF Level 2
Modules: 2 Modules

Occupational Purpose The purpose of this skills programme is to prepare a learner to operate as a Basic Upholsterer. Occupational Tasks Clarify customers brief Interpret...

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