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National code: MSF30713

Certificate III in Upholstery (specialising in Production Upholstery)

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Overview About this course

Show you have the right stuff to become a trade-qualified upholsterer. Create and craft bespoke, hand-made soft furnishings for both commercial and residential clients while earning a competitive salary in an industry in demand.

This course is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Fit and apply final cover materials to furniture using basic techniques

  • Use upholstery sector hand and power tools

  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

  • Dismantle and re-assemble furniture for upholstering

  • Develop cutting plans and cut single layer upholstery fabric

Course outcomes

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

  • A trade qualified certification

  • Experience in making a range of upholstered products from a variety of materials and subframes (like an ottoman, a tub chair, a wing chair)

  • 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

  • Check the campus page for requirements to take this course as an apprenticeship

  • This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship

  • Enquire today to discuss your eligibility

Entry recommendations

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

  • Language and literacy skills to Year 10 level

  • Some experience in handling tools and equipment

  • Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

  • An aptitude for practical tasks

  • Effective communication skills

  • Collaboration and teamwork skills

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

Upholsterers make, rebuild and repair upholstered articles such as chairs, sofas, beds and mattresses.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    78%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    900 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    49 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $910

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    43 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Medium

  • Gender share

    8% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Decline

Other jobs include: Marine upholsterer and Caravan upholsterer

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Upholstery (specialising in Production Upholstery) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

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

The Certificate III in Upholstery (specialising in Production 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 (specialising in Production Upholstery) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 25 , including 14 core and 11 speciality units.

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.

  • Handle dangerous goods/hazardous substances TLID2003

  • Use upholstery sector hand and power tools MSFUP2001

  • Fit and apply final cover materials to furniture using basic techniques MSFUP3002

  • Fit upholstery components MSFUP2002

  • ... 4

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

  • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

  • 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

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.