Opportunities for apprentice furniture finishers growing
Opportunities for getting work as an apprentice furniture finisher have risen as the Government supports employers to take on apprentices in the high-demand housing and construction services industry.
Most of the opportunities for furniture finishers are in the preparation of surfaces of interior installations such as kitchen benchtops, bathroom and kitchen cabinetry, and built in wardrobes. These items are increasingly needed for:
- new home builds, which are on the rise nationwide, especially in Auckland due to an increasing population
- leaky home repairs
- renovating homes that have been affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes in Kaikoura, flooding in Bay of Plenty, and the Canterbury earthquakes rebuild
- upgrading existing homes, especially kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
Opportunities for furniture finishers at furniture manufacturing stores are also increasing. Furniture manufacturers usually employ only a few furniture finishers and take on new apprentices only when the business expands or an employee leaves. However, a trend towards people buying quality, New Zealand-made furniture has seen demand for furniture finisher apprentices grow.
According to the Census, 363 furniture finishers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship
Ways to increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship include:
- demonstrating your craft skills and your attention to detail
- being committed, reliable and good at managing time
- talking to your school career adviser about prospective apprenticeships
- having some painting or other trades experience.
Small range of employers
Furniture finishers work for:
- large furniture manufacturing plants
- small specialist furniture restoration businesses.
Many furniture finishers run their own business. Some do contract work for interior design firms.
