Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
The furniture programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to make, finish, upholster, and restore furniture items in domestic and commercial settings. Training covers working with timber and other materials, cutting and shaping components, sanding, finishing, upholstery, and operating and programming relevant machinery—delivered in line with industry standards.
Benefits of these programmes
• Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
• Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
• A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
• Coverage of safety and quality standards in line with industry practice
• Build skills in furniture making, finishing, upholstery, restoration, and working with design-drawings and timber selection
• Ability to operate machinery (manual and CNC), apply finishes, and upholster to produce high-quality furniture items
• Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.
Furniture and cabinet makers make furniture from wood and other materials, upholster furniture with fabrics and leathers, and finish furniture with paint, stains and lacquers.
Typically, an eight-hour day or shift work.
A typical day on-the-job might involve selecting timber and other materials for fabrication, cutting materials to size, sanding, polishing or painting, attaching fittings, preparing cost estimates, operating and programming machinery and designing furniture.
NCEA Level 2 is recommended
Traineeship or apprenticeship
Higher learning
Higher learning
Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.
We partner with industry associations like the Furniture Association and members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.
We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.
When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the furniture industry and the skills learners and businesses need
Competenz offers apprenticeships in furniture finishing or furniture making that currently incorporates the Level 3 and Level 4 National Certificates in Furniture.
The purpose of this apprenticeship programme is to provide the furniture industry with individuals who have attained sufficient competencies and capabilities to work in the industry and help advance in the furniture industry.
As a graduated apprentice, you will be capable of operating at an advanced level with no supervision.
Other training options include completing just a single level National Certificate.
