Furniture Assembler

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Furniture Assembler. Furniture Assemblers join and assemble cut furniture components to produce furniture or furniture components. A qualified learner will be able to: • Assemble carcases and case goods and fit hinges, handles, runners and legs using power tools such as drills, routers, biscuit jointers, jig saws and mitre saws and hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, etc.

The Furniture Assembler is intended for entry-level workers, school leavers, or career changers who want to gain foundational skills. If you have a passion for this field and want to turn that passion into a profession, this programme will give you the tools and credentials to succeed. It is also suitable for employers who wish to upskill their workforce to meet industry standards.

A shortage of higher-skilled workers, rising production costs, and poor domestic demand are affecting the performance of local furniture manufacturers negatively. The cost of labour, electricity, raw materials and transportation continue to shrink operating margins and make it difficult for them to compete in local and international markets. The industry is also negatively affected by declining investment in capital equipment, insufficient research and development, and inadequate design improvement or new product development. Imported furniture is often cheaper than what is manufactured locally, and furniture imports grew beyond R7bn during 2019 (according to the Furniture Industry Master Plan 2020). South African furniture manufacturers are also facing competition from Chinese furniture in their important export markets in Africa. With about 80% of the companies in the furniture manufacturing sector classified as small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), these challenges impose significant pressure on a large component of players in the industry. There are no other similar part qualifications registered on the NQF. The Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP) was established by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (dtic) in partnership with the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI) to set clear guidelines and targets for the furniture manufacturing industry, as well as guide public sector procurement as part of government's efforts to support and stimulate the industry. The furniture industry is one of the most labour-intensive industries, with a potential to contribute to the reduction of unemployment, development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and to increase exports. This identifies the importance of growing the furniture industry and signals the need for skilled and competent furniture makers in the furniture production process across the furniture manufacturing industry. Furthermore, it will benefit the manufacturing sector as well as the economy by reducing unemployment and improving entrepreneurial projects. The Occupational Certificate: Furniture Assembler is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the furniture industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations. Learners may find employment as furniture assemblers. The Occupational Certificate: Furniture Assembler is one of two-part qualifications of the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler. These part qualifications create appropriate exit points where learners may exit the learning with industry required employable skills. The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the furniture manufacturing environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the furniture industry. This will enhance the international competitiveness of the furniture sector by means of improving productivity in the various furniture making departments and overall quality of products. Four distinct learner target groups have been identified, namely school leavers wishing to enter the furniture-making industry, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who have no formal qualification in furniture making, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who want to advance their skills or unemployed persons. No professional registration is needed for Furniture Assembler to operate in the industry. Industry associations consulted include: • Cape Furniture Manufacturers Association (CFMA). • KwaZulu Natal Furniture Manufacturers Association (KNFMA). • Allied Business Association (ABA). • Garden Route Employer Association (GREA). • Furniture Bedding and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (FBUMA). • The National Union of Furniture & Allied Workers SA (NUFAWSA). • The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union (CEPPWAWU).

• Prepare for assembling of carcases and case goods.
• Produce assembled furniture components and furniture to specifications.
• Inspect the assembled product, visually and by feel, checking against specifications and applying tolerances to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Conclude assembling operations.
• Explain principles and procedures involved in basic furniture assembly processes in the bulk production of furniture.