FURNITURE,
FURNISHINGS
& INTERIORS
www.prospect4u.co.uk
Northern Ireland
Terry Watts
Welcome to the Furniture, Furnishings & Interiors introduction booklet. This brief
guide will provide you with some basic information to help you decide if the
Furniture, Furnishings & Interiors (FFI) sector is one that you would like to work in.
The businesses in this sector create products for the domestic, office and
contract markets. The FFI industry provides many employees the opportunity
to develop long and varied careers with many individuals choosing to master a
range of skills.
Don’t assume that people advising/helping you with careers know everything
about this sector and the kinds of jobs available. Let them see the booklet
too! The Proskills careers website, www.prospect4u.co.uk contains more
information on:
	
•	Career	progression,	sector	jobs,	skills	and	experience	required	
	
•	Local	employers	company	profiles	and	individual	case	studies
	
•	Qualifications	and	training	
There are many rewarding and well-paid careers in this sector. At the back of
this booklet you’ll find a career progression chart designed to help you plot your
career development. If you find that the Furniture, Furnishings & Interiors industry
is not for you, why not take a look at some of Proskills other career introduction
booklets	for	the	Building	Products,	Coatings,	Extractives,	Glass,	Glazed	Ceramics,	
Paper and Print industries.
Contents
This is a brief guide to the Furniture, Furnishings and Interior sector. The booklet
will help you decide if this job sector is one you would like more information on.
Welcome page
3
Sector Statistics (2008)
6
An introduction to the Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors sector
7
Working in Furniture Manufacturing
9
Supply and Demand
10
Jobs in the Furniture, Furnishings and Interior sector
11
Furniture	Manufacturing	and	the	Environment	
18
The	Qualifications	valued	by	Furniture,	Furnishing	and	Interior		
19
sector employers
Where the Diplomas fit
20
Essential	Skills	
22
Employee