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National code: MSF30722

Certificate III in Upholstery

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Overview About this course

Immerse yourself in the world of upholstery craftsmanship and use cutting-edge techniques to craft custom furnishings for commercial and residential clients. Gain your trade qualification in upholstery with this highly practical course and work for an employer or start your own business.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Examine drawings, work orders and sample parts and materials to determine project specifications

  • Mark out, cut, shape and fit upholstery products

  • Use upholstery hand and power tools, including a sewing machine

  • Dismantle and reassemble furniture for upholstering

  • Create fittings for boats, caravans and other items where fine detail is required

  • Work safely and communicate with others in a team environment

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally recognised Certificate III qualification

  • Graduate with a range of upholstered products from a variety of materials and subframes

  • The skills and knowledge to start your own business

  • A sound understanding of upholstery techniques

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Apprenticeship

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Non-apprenticeship

  • There are no entry requirements for this course. You can enrol now.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

  • Prior experience in handling tools and equipment

  • Personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, ear and eye protection and a chemical mask

  • Optional payment of $850 for materials, applicable only to students wanting to take their completed project home

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: upholsterer, marine upholsterer and caravan upholsterer.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Upholstery does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Upholstery does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Upholstery qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 25 units of competency, including 12 core and 13 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Make measurements and calculations MSFGN2001

  • Read and interpret work documents MSFGN3005

  • Estimate and cost job MSFGN3006

  • Use upholstery hand and power tools MSFUP2007

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.