Cabinet makers make pieces of furniture such as chairs, tables, chests of drawers and storage or display cabinets. They may also restore antiques or repair damaged furniture.

If you are looking for a fulfilling career that combines creativity and practical skills, this could be ideal for you.

Tasks:

• creating design drawings for furniture
• deciding on the quantity and type of wood needed and the construction methods
• buying the wood from suppliers such as timber yards
• cutting, shaping and planing the wood, using hand, power and computer-controlled tools
• fixing the parts together
• adding other fixed or movable parts such as brackets, hinges, handles and locks
• finishing the assembled pieces of furniture, for example with veneers, lacquers or French polish.

• practical skills for using hand and machine tools
• the ability to understand, draft or adapt designs and technical drawings
• the ability to work out quantities, measurements and costs
• patience, accuracy and attention to detail
• good customer service skills
• business skills if self-employed.

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year.

Qualifications and training required:

A common way to start in this type of career is through an Apprenticeship scheme, learning the craft skills on the job. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area.

Another option is to take a college course, which would give you some of the skills needed to find a trainee position with a furniture makers or installation firm. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills (options in cabinet making)
• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Crafts (options in carpentry and joinery)
• Level 2 Certificate in Construction and Building Crafts
• Level 2 Diploma in Construction Crafts.