The National School of Furniture

We are always inspired to see initiatives promoting the next generation of budding furniture makers and last week saw the launch of The National School of Furniture which seeks to unite the educational sector with furniture manufacturing businesses. With the new government looking to encourage apprenticeships and skills based careers this new venture is to be welcomed.

The partnership is to be based at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and will create a holistic educational experience, offering huge benefits to learners and the entire furniture industry. This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that employers and the education sector invest in skills for growth. The National School of Furniture will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the UK furniture industry. The scheme enables students to make new contacts with the furniture industry, providing routes into employment.

The courses can be studied at two educational establishments: Bucks New University in High Wycombe, and Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and they will be working together to provide education across all levels, from Certificate (Level 1) to PhD (Level 8). Between the two educational centres students can study an aspect of the subject for the very first time.

It will also connect established industry personnel in need of trainees, managers, skills or advice. Through the school, students have an array of courses they can choose from, including short skills-based training, bespoke industry courses, apprenticeships, leisure courses and diplomas. It also offers undergraduate, foundation and master's degree courses.

The National School of Furniture aims to create a skills base for furniture making, design, manufacture, conservation and furniture retail. It hopes to spread providing a portal via a website for anybody interested in the UK industry. The portal will help interested individuals get connected to the school network of partners, alumni, industry supporters, sponsors and key industry personnel.

However it is not just students who gain from their education and interaction with the industry. This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that the education sector and employers invest in skills for growth. The School will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the furniture and footstool industry and the nation as a whole. A key benefit for industry professionals is the development of an archive for historical reference, as well as a research base and test bed for existing and new ottoman projects.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.