Furniture Upholsterer

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Furniture Upholsterer. A Furniture Upholsterer manufactures an upholstered furnishing item by fitting suspension and padding and covering a frame to give it shape, comfort, and functionality for a range of domestic, commercial and decorative uses. A qualified learner will be able to: • Read and interpret a design, drawing or sketch and take accurate measurements and calculate/estimate the number of fabrics, leather, man-made fabrics, padding and other raw material such as springs and webbing. • Make upholstery patterns and produce templates from sketches, customer descriptions or blueprints which match all quality standards. • Lay out, measure, cut and sew upholstery materials following patterns, templates, sketches, or design specifications. • Interpret specifications and prepare foundations for upholstered frames by attaching webbing, springs, foam and/or padding securely to the frame. • Fit slipcovers and loose material panels to cover frames with materials using staples, tacks and/or glue. • Manufacture upholstered furniture, upholstery prototypes and repair and re-upholster damaged furniture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics.

This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competencies to operate as upholsterers by applying upholstery skills to fit springs, webbing, padding and covering a wide range of objects covered with fabric, leather, rexine or other upholstery material. After successful completion of this qualification, the learner will be skilled and capable of creating ergonomic and comfortable furniture using both traditional and modern techniques, materials and fabrics to produce aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose consumer products. Learners will find employment as frame preparers, cover fitters, patternmakers and furniture finishers, upholsterers or upholstery prototype makers and upholstery repairers. These skills will also open opportunities for self-employment. Target groups identified include school leavers with a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 qualification or persons who have been working in the furniture industry without formal qualifications and have the desire to formalise their skills and knowledge. Employers will benefit from appointing qualified workers in terms of increased productivity and ability to be competitive in the international market and seek markets abroad supplying quality upholstered furniture and furnishings.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics.

• Interpret drawings and product specifications and compile a list of materials and consumables for upholstery of furniture.
• Prepare upholstery frame for final covering by hand-building the suspension of the frame applying safety procedures and conduct a quality inspection.
• Fit and attach prepared covers and loose material panels onto prepared upholstery frames using staples, tacks and/or glue.
• Produce a cutting lay for upholstery cover components by considering optimal use of material and cut and sew upholstery components to specifications.
• Upholster furniture by fitting and attaching upholstery covers to complex and exposed prepared upholstery frames using hand and power tools.
• Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the manufacturing of upholstery furniture.