Education · 1 of 4

The path

Almost everyone learns at the bench. Job Bank says a college course, an apprenticeship or extensive experience as a helper are the usual routes.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 10 to 12

   Shop and tech classes. Sewing classes help more than you would think. Re-cover a chair at home.

2. 2

   Helper in a shop or factory

   6 to 12 months

   Stripping, cutting foam, stapling, learning fabrics. Furniture factories hire with no experience.

3. 3

   Course or vocational diploma (optional)

   Months to 1 year

   Quebec runs a vocational diploma in upholstery. Elsewhere, upholstery is mostly continuing-education courses and short private classes.

4. 4

   Full upholsterer

   2 to 4 years

   Pattern cutting, sewing welts and pleats, spring tying, frame repair, estimating fabric. Speed and clean corners take years.

5. 5

   Specialize or open a shop

   5 years and up

   Auto and marine trim, antiques, commercial seating, or your own custom shop.