Apprentice Fabric Cutter

Description of what the apprentice will do in their role:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Fabric Cutter to join our dynamic upholstery manufacturing team. In this hands-on role, you’ll play a crucial part in bringing our bespoke furniture designs to life by accurately preparing fabric components for upholstery production.

Working closely with upholsterers, designers, and production staff, you will cut various upholstery fabrics to specification using patterns, templates, and precision tools. If you take pride in craftsmanship, enjoy working with quality materials, and have a sharp eye for detail, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret job sheets and technical drawings to understand design specifications and fabric requirements.
• Create, maintain, and use cutting templates or patterns to ensure consistency and accuracy across production runs.
• Measure, mark, and cut upholstery fabric using hand tools and industrial cutting equipment, ensuring alignment with fabric grain, texture, or pattern repeat.
• Lay out and align patterns for optimal use of materials, taking care to match prints and reduce fabric waste.
• Inspect fabrics for defects or inconsistencies prior to cutting and report any issues to the production team.
• Label and organise cut pieces for smooth hand over to the sewing or upholstery department.
• Learn how to prepare frames for top cover as needed to meet production targets and needs.
• Work collaboratively with others to ensure fabric pieces meet fitting and design needs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised work area, following all health and safety procedures.
• Carry out routine maintenance on cutting tools and equipment, ensuring they are in good working condition. 

Comprehensive Modern Upholstery Cutting Training:

During your Standard Level 2 Furniture Manufacturer - Modern Upholsterer apprenticeship programme you will receive training both off and on the job. You will be trained at the employer within the workplace and also at WEBS Training in Nottingham on a block basis for a week at a time, roughly every 10 weeks. (Costs are covered by the employer.) 

You will learn the underpinning knowledge that runs alongside your practical elements of the training. WEBS Training aim to build on the skills you already have so you reach your full potential both personally and professionally.

Training will be provided in all areas of fabric cutting to ensure you can create practical and bespoke components using both traditional and modern techniques and materials to produce fit for purpose products.

If you have already achieved GCSE maths and English at Grade 4/C or above or have equivalent qualification you will be exempt from undertaking Functional Skills, however English and maths support will be provided for all apprentices throughout the length of their programme.

Career Progression and Opportunities:

This role offers opportunities to advance to a role with increased responsibilities.

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities:

• Effective communication skills
• Detail-oriented approach
• Strong presentation skills
• Logical and creative thinking
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to take initiative in complex situations

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in English (Grade C/4) - desirable
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths (Grade C/4) - desirable

About the Employer:

We’re proud of the relationships we’ve developed with our clients, the unparalleled expertise of our team and the state-of-the-art contract furniture we can deliver. We know that sourcing furniture for commercial environments, that can create ripples of interest, is challenging. That’s why our specialists in design, joinery & upholstery can envisage and fabricate contract grade furniture, completely bespoke to your brand.

Address: 

Unit 4
Old Whieldon Road,
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 4HW

Pay: Between £10 - £12.21 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift 
• Monday to Thursday, 7am - 4pm 
• Friday 7am - 1pm

Work Location: Workplace