Furniture Making Apprenticeships

Details

Deadline: 20 May 2026 (they advise anyone who is considering applying to make contact well before the closing date)

An Edward Barnsley Workshop furniture making apprenticeship provides a thorough practical training in a commercial environment. In 1924 Edward Barnsley engaged his first apprentice. Today, the tradition of high-quality training continues, supported since 1980 by the Edward Barnsley Educational Trust (EBET). Almost all of their former apprentices continue to work successfully as furniture makers. Most work as employees, while some have gone on to set up their own furniture-making businesses. In recent years two of their apprentices have represented the UK in cabinet-making at the WorldSkills finals.

The Foundation Apprenticeship is an intensive one-year course for people who possess some furniture-making skills but want to learn how to work to the very highest standards. Foundation Apprentices work alongside experienced furniture-makers. As an apprentice, you will make a wide variety of Barnsley designs guided by Stephen Rock, the craftsman-tutor.

For the first three months Foundation Apprentices use only hand tools. Then you will learn how to use their machines safely and spend the rest of the Foundation year perfecting a broad range of Barnsley techniques, making furniture of increasing complexity. The programme is finished off with a larger piece that will look impressive in your portfolio. All work made as part of your cabinet making training is sold by the EBET from the Barnsley showroom, next door to the workshop.

The majority of the apprentices’ time is spent at the bench. The rest is spent in the machine shop and helping with jobs around the workshop. Apprentices are expected to do some essential workshop tasks including sweeping up and machine maintenance. This thorough and comprehensive woodworking apprenticeship teaches the skills needed to succeed as a professional furniture-maker.

They usually take on two furniture making apprenticeship students each year and have many applicants for each place. They welcome applications from talented, aspiring furniture-makers who have a strong desire to improve their skills and want to establish a career making high-quality furniture. They look for evidence that applicants enjoy making things well. They are looking for potential and enthusiasm rather than qualifications and experience. Often, applicants will have completed a furniture course at college. However, they will consider anyone who wants a career in furniture-making, is dedicated and can show us some furniture they have made to a good standard.

At the end of the Foundation year, apprentices can use their Barnsley training to help them find employment in another workshop. Sometimes, Foundation Apprentices are invited to extend their apprenticeship with a further year of employment and training at the Barnsley Workshop.

Foundation Apprentices receive the current National Minimum Wage apprentice rate.