Furnishing

The Furnishing industry covers the manufacturing and installation of a diverse array of interior and exterior structures from furniture and furnishings, to kitchens, cabinets, glass, window and doors and interior design, as well as flooring and picture framing.

A growing trend in the furnishing industry has seen collaboration with designers, manufacturers and retailers. Customers are after a personalised service which includes ethical sourcing, sustainable design and living, so are looking for that value-add experience.

What does this industry cover?

Advancements in technology such as 3D printing, new materials such as concrete benchtops, motorised furniture, carbon fibre materials and extra-low voltage electricals, have led to the creation of smart kitchens that offer seamless systems using motion sensors and automation controlled from a smartphone or tablet.

There is a growing demand for hand crafted bespoke furniture products, ecofriendly and smart glass products, and specialised picture framing for art pieces.

Employees in this industry now need to have advanced computer skills to program and maintain equipment such as computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears and presses.

Job hunting preparation

The top priority skills in this sector are: customer service and after sales skills, digital skills including automated design, sustainable business skills, employability skills for work readiness and STEM skills.

Quite a few schools offer VET qualifications in the furnishing sector which enables a pathway into the industry.

The most common apprenticeships in this sector are cabinetmaker, glazier and floor finisher, with product assembler, production manager, production supervisor and interior decorator the most common occupations.

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Information for further research

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers. Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry. Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.