Apprentice Furniture Making Operative

Job Details

Employer: Curve Craft Ltd
Location: Unit 1, Birch Park, Park Lodge Road, Giltbrook, Nottingham NG16 2AR
Training Provider: Webs Training Ltd, Nottingham NG9 2PD

Overview

Curve Craft is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke curved furniture doors and accessories for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms (KBB) sector. Based in Giltbrook, Nottingham, they design, engineer and produce high-quality curved doors, mouldings, and furniture components. The business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology such as CNC machining to deliver both custom one-offs and large production runs to exacting standards.

About the Apprenticeship

This is a Level 2 Furniture Making Operative Apprenticeship (ST0982). It develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to manufacture and assemble furniture and furniture components to high quality and safety standards. Training will be delivered by Webs Training, a specialist provider for the furniture and manufacturing industries.

The Role

As a Furniture Making Operative Apprentice at Curve Craft you will work alongside experienced craftspeople, gradually taking on more responsibility as you gain skills and confidence. Your duties will include:

• Receiving and reading job specifications, drawings and work instructions for curved furniture doors and components.
• Planning tasks and gathering the correct materials, tools and jigs.
• Preparing materials by measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping and sanding.
• Operating hand tools, power tools and woodworking machinery (including CNC equipment under supervision).
• Assembling components using joints, fixings and adhesives.
• Carrying out finishing operations such as sanding, spraying or applying veneers and laminates.
• Inspecting, rectifying and repairing any defects to maintain quality standards.
• Packing and storing finished items safely and correctly.
• Completing simple job sheets and recording materials used.
• Maintaining tools and equipment in good working order and reporting any faults.
• Following all health, safety and environmental procedures and keeping the workspace clean and organised.
• Supporting continuous improvement activities by contributing ideas to improve processes, reduce waste and enhance quality.

What You’ll Learn

During the apprenticeship you’ll gain:

• Knowledge of different furniture materials, components, finishes and fittings.
• Skills in measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping, jointing, assembly and finishing.
• Understanding of technical drawings, quality standards and health & safety.
• Behaviours such as attention to detail, teamwork, reliability and pride in your work.

Training and Support

• The apprenticeship typically lasts around 18 months plus preparation for End-Point Assessment.
• Training is delivered both on the job at Curve Craft and at Webs Training in Nottingham, usually by day-release or block-release.
• You will be supported and mentored by experienced furniture makers and assessed regularly by Webs Training.

Who We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in woodworking, furniture making or joinery.
• Good manual dexterity and a responsible approach to health and safety.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback and develop practical and technical skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Basic literacy and numeracy (GCSEs or equivalent, or willingness to work towards them).

Progression

On successful completion of the apprenticeship you may progress to more advanced roles such as Bespoke Furniture Maker (Level 3), CNC operator or supervisory positions within Curve Craft or the wider industry.