Furniture Making Diploma

Course information

An end-to-end course covering all aspects of making furniture. From learning the many variations and properties of timber, designing within specified requirements, producing comprehensive quotes and cutting lists, to developing your competency in both hand skills and power tools when constructing furniture items.

• You’ll be instructed on best practice for cutting, joining, and shaping your products to refined tolerances; paying attention to timber defects and Health and Safety regulations.
• You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to make furniture through the use of hand tools and modern power tools; including domino joiners, electric planers, routers and sanders.
• During detailed theory lessons in our purpose-built classroom, you’ll discover the value of knowing your timber and using its properties to the advantage of your work.
• We’ll develop your drawing and design skills to industry level using both digital and traditional methods; including the latest 3D design software.
• Through our close connection with local businesses you’ll have an opportunity to showcase your work to potential employers at our end-of-year show.

This course is the only fully accredited Furniture Making Diploma this side of Exeter, located in the centre of Cornwall here at Camborne College. Aimed at hobbyists, professionals and novices alike, there is something to be gained for all individuals looking to build on their interest and ability. The experience gained on this course can assist in all woodworking trades including boat building, joinery, cabinetry and carpentry and its successful completion will prepare the learner for entry into the commercial world of woodworking. Speak with our Finance team for full information on funding, bursaries and payment options.

* For 16-19 year olds, this course takes place three days a week for 12 months. For students aged 19 and above, the course duration is two days a week for 12 months.

What You Will Learn

You will acquire the knowledge and practical skills to be able to make furniture my hand. This will cover preparing, cutting, jointing and shaping methods as well as working to technical specifications. You will be able to respond to the faults in materials and produce quality pieces. Looking at the structure, working properties, appearance, stability, colour, grain patterns, drying method and storage of different wood types. You will learn to identify sources of solid wood and investigate potential implications of selecting materials for different types of wood. Attaching various types of fittings, drawers and doors used within the furniture industry and have an understanding of the faults that can occur during this part of the process.

Other skills covered throughout this course will include developing drawing skills, drawing orthographic, oblique and isometric drawings using a range of drawing equipment. Learners will produce cutting lists from technical drawings. Learners will carry out workshop geometry. This unit will require learners to communicate ideas via drawings.

You will also learn the concept of planning for own career development and setting goals to help realise plans. You will investigate the roles in the Furniture and Furnishing industries and research specific requirements. Compiling documents to support career plans including Curriculum Vitaes and personal statements. This will help to become highly skilled in own craft or exploring supervisory responsibilities. Also exploring workshop etiquette, requiring candidates to understand the importance of their own role and meeting timescales within a process and the cost implications associated with this. This will equip learners for working in a commercial environment.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Level 3 GCSE Maths and English

Work Experience

N/A

Assessment

Theory and Practical

Progression

Level 3 Furniture or Apprenticeship

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

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