Furniture, Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

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Inspiring outstanding futures in furniture, upholstery and soft furnishings.

The Furniture, Upholstery and Soft Furnishings departments at Chichester College provide you with outstanding opportunities to launch your career, self-employment or simply explore a new craft. We offer a range of courses in each subject area that cater for learners at all levels.

No matter what stage you are in life, we welcome and encourage people from all ages and backgrounds to join our dynamic courses. Studying in our well-equipped workshops, you will develop the skills associated with the design, manufacture and production of high quality projects using both machine and hand tools.

Our teaching staff are experts in their fields who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. Their goal is to help learners achieve skills and progress through all levels of study.

We encourage you to have a look at the courses on offer at the Chichester and Brinsbury campuses. You are welcome to visit the campuses on our college open days that are held throughout the year. Alternatively, please contact us to arrange a 1-1 discussion to help you find a suitable course that meets your goals.

Competitions

Learners can participate at WorldSkills and other industry recognised competitions at a regional, national or international level. You can be assured that you are receiving first class tuition, as our tutors have trained two previous WorldSkills Gold Medalists in cabinet making. Past successes have included:

  • Five students representing Team UK at WorldSkills.
  • Two learners in 2019 selected to join the WorldSkills UK squad.
  • Gold medals for cabinet making in 2013 and 2015.
  • Two learners won the prestigious Design Guild Marks awarded by the Furniture Makers Company.

Exhibitions

You will have the opportunity to exhibit your work at exhibitions and events held throughout the year. This includes our flagship end of year show, celebrating the projects that our students have produced to exceptional standards, and exemplifying their effort, care and dedication.  

Alum

Alumni who have studied with the Chichester College Group have a close connection with the department and industry. We continue to support our alum as they enter their chosen fields and are fortunate to maintain good relationships with them in the years after their graduation.  

Learners have entered employment with a wide range of leading companies. With prominent employers in the local area, such as Rolls Royce, Silverlining, Opus Magnum, Halstock Furniture, and Passmore Yacht Upholstery, there are great opportunities for you to have an exciting and outstanding career.

Our past learners have also established their own independent businesses. The list below highlights some businesses that our alum have created. Please feel free to visit their pages for inspiration. 

Our courses are also a recognised pathway into higher education. Former students have progressed onto universities such as the Bournemouth University, Kingston University and Oxford Brookes University.

The lecturing team can provide career guidance and have established links with the industry.

We also have a dedicated support team to help learners with their personal development.

  • Student Tutors provide every learner aged 16-19 with 1-1 pastoral and progression support and deliver ACES personal development workshops.
  • Apprenticeship Coaches provide pastoral support with apprentices and links to employers.

For more information about the range of services provided by the college, please click the ‘College Life’ tab at the top of the page.

Chichester College Group was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in November 2021.

The award recognised the college group for its internationally renowned work in furniture and upholstery training, a recognition of our place as a leader in craft skills.

The Anniversary Prize is the highest national honour available in UK Further and Higher Education, granted by the Queen every two years.

Andrew Green, Chief Executive Officer at Chichester College Group, noted: “Our furniture provision across the group is, we believe, among the best in the world. This award is a mark of the progress that the group has made over the years, reflecting our commitment to skills development in this industry and recognises the work of our students, who contribute so positively to the regional and national economy though their work.”

For more information about the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, please visit the organisation’s website.

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Our FacilitiesFurniture, Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

State of the Art Machinery

You will study in well-equipped workshops, where you will develop the skills associated with the design, manufacture and production of high-quality projects using both machine and hand tools.

Learn from the Experts

Our teaching staff are experts in their fields and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. They provide career guidance and have established links with the industry. We also have support teams, student tutors and apprenticeship coaches all on hand to support you.

Outside of Classes

We offer a range of courses, catering for learners at all levels. Outside of lessons, there is the opportunity attend competitions, like WorldSkills, whilst showing off your work at exhibitions and events. We also continue to support students as they flourish in their careers.

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Furniture, Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Furniture, Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Find a furniture, upholstery and soft furnishings course