5411 — Upholsterers

What this occupation covers

Upholsterers upholster vehicle, aircraft and other seating, fix trimmings to the interiors of vehicles and aircraft, upholster furniture such as chairs and sofas, and make mattresses, curtains and other soft furnishings.

Typical duties

measures frame to be covered or examines drawings or other specifications and cuts material with shears, knife or scissors

tacks and staples or otherwise secures webbing to furniture frame

pads springs and secures padding by stitching, stapling, tacking, etc.

pins sections of coverings together, joins by sewing and inserts trims, braids and buttons as required and fits upholstery unit to frame

operates machine to compress padded spring assemblies and inserts them into mattress covers

encases bed springs and padding with selected covering material by hand or machine stitching and fits castors where required

replaces covering, padding, webbing or springs to repair upholstered furniture

measures, cuts, pins, sews and trims fabrics to make curtains, cushions, loose covers and similar soft furnishings

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. Relevant NVQs/ SVQs are available at level 2 and 3 and apprenticeships at level 2.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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