Congratulations—you're qualified right now to get an entry-level job making furniture. No, really. This is a hands-on job; there's not much you can learn from a textbook.

 

Physical strength is a must, because furniture ain't made outta cardboard. Well...not usually. (Source)

There's a difference, however, between being qualified to start an entry-level job and being qualified to do...well, anything else in this field. Although no degree or training is required, it does take a few years of on-the-job training to gain enough skills to be considered competent. 

At first you'll start with the simple tasks, such as putting a board into a machine, and then pulling it out the other side. All. Day. Long. If you can do that without losing a hand or going bonkers from boredom, you can move on to assembling the pieces and even setting up the machines. 

Before you go running out to start applying everywhere, take a minute to consider whether or not you possess the important qualities that a furniture maker needs: 

• Attention to detail. If you're always in a hurry, this might not be the field for you. In order for furniture to come out the way it should, everything has to line up ju-u-u-ust right, every step of the way. 
    
• Manual dexterity. Cuts and measurements need to be precise, so it takes a steady hand and a careful eye. 
    
• Strength and stamina. It's a long day on the factory floor. You might spend eight or nine hours on your feet. And you'll need to be able to lift, lower, and move heavy pieces of furniture sometimes. 
    
• 3D spatial awareness. Put down those 3D glasses you were supposed to return at the theater. We're talking about the ability to visualize how pieces will fit together to make furniture. Some people have it and some people don't. If your attempts to build a Lincoln Log house always seemed to end up looking like bonfires, well, you might want to stick with 2D ventures. 

•  Back
• More