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French polisher apprenticeships

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French polisher apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • training with a professional body


    • University

    Doing a higher national diploma or degree in furniture design, decorative arts or furniture restoration can be useful if you want to start your own business. You'll usually need between 1 and 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree.

     

    College
    You can learn polishing and finishing skills on some furniture making and restoration courses like: 

    • Level 2 Furniture Finishing Methods
    • Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Restoration City and Guilds 
    • Level 3 Furniture Design and Making
    You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Apprenticeship
    Apprenticeships that may give you some of the skills needed for this role include: 

    • Level 2 Furniture manufacturer 
    • Level 2 Wood product manufacturing operative 
    • Level 3 Bespoke furniture maker 
    • Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery
    You'll usually need: some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. 

    Other Routes
    You could do a specialist training course in french polishing with a professional body like the The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association. 

    French polisher apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • persistence and determination
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity 
    • concentration skills
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    French polisher apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could:

    • decide on the type and colour of wood stain to use
    • mix and apply the stain 
    • apply french polish and other finishes, like lacquer, paint, varnish, oil or wax 
    • repair furniture 
    If you are self employed as a french polisher you may also need to: 

    • market your business 
    • deal with customers
    • order materials 
    • do paperwork and manage your finances
    Working environment
    You could work in a workshop or in a factory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - French polisher apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager. You could start your own business.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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