Furniture Manufacturers Education and Training

Build a career in furniture manufacturing with the proper education and training

If you like to work with your hands and are considering a career as a furniture maker, look into furniture manufacturers education and training. Whether you're looking to join the ranks of outdoor furniture manufacturers, office furniture manufacturers, dining room furniture manufacturers or bedroom furniture manufacturers, you'll find the proper education and training programs to be invaluable.

From obtaining a degree or certificate in furniture manufacturing to an apprenticeship with top furniture manufacturers, there's more than one avenue you can pursue regarding furniture manufacturers education and training. You might also find seminars and classes available through furniture manufacturing associations, as well as practical tips and instructions from commercial furniture makers in top trade publications.

1. Enroll in a technical college or trade school offering programs on furniture manufacturing.
2. Sign on for an apprenticeship with quality furniture manufacturers.
3. Join furniture manufacturing associations that offer educational classes and seminars.
   

 

Get a formal degree or certificate as part of furniture manufacturers education and training

Some technical colleges and trade schools offer degrees or certificates in furniture making. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, these programs are designed to help students find entry-level positions available at commercial furniture makers or top furniture companies.
Try: Long Beach City College offers an associate of science degree or certificate in Cabinet/Furniture Making, or a certificate in Cabinet/Furniture Technology. The woodworking school at Cerritos Community College has classes on furniture making, which include table construction, cabinet making and more.

Receive hands-on training through apprenticeship programs with top furniture manufacturers

Though trade schools and colleges will offer hands-on opportunities, you can take that type of training one step further by working directly with established furniture manufacturers. Both paying and non-paying internships are available. Most internships or apprenticeships last between one and two years.
Try: Orth Furniture offers a one-year apprenticeship to individuals who have had some woodworking experience. Sign on for the apprenticeship at JD Lohr Woodworking and receive an intense two-year program which covers all aspects of furniture manufacturing and even requires the student to be a teacher's assistance at studio woodworking classes.

Look to professional associations for learning opportunities in furniture manufacturing

Furniture manufacturing associations can provide many benefits to members, including classes, conferences and seminars geared toward both the beginner manufacturer as well as continuing education courses for established furniture makers. Networking, publications and woodworking expos are other ways to take advantage of learning opportunities through these associations.
Try: American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) provides both live and web-based seminars, expos and workshops for future and established furniture manufacturers. Get the chance to work directly with a furniture master on your own project or enroll in the New Hampshire Institute of Furniture Making, part of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association.

 

• Visit local furniture suppliers to ask about the furniture manufacturers they deal with. They may likely have contact information you can use to find out about possible apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
• Subscribe to top woodworking and furniture making publications that might include helpful articles about furniture manufacturing.

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