A NEW furniture making apprenticeship has begun in an effort to fill the local skills gap.

Kirklees College has been working with local employers, consulting on skills gaps in the furniture manufacturing sector.

The result is the college’s new Level 2 Furniture Making apprenticeship with High Seat Ltd in Batley – and the first intake of apprentices are starting this October.

The apprenticeship offers two pathways, working towards qualifying as a wood machinist, or modern upholsterer.

Both pathways will develop apprentices’ understanding of the furniture manufacturing process and where they fit into it.

The apprentices will study at Kirklees College’s Brunel Construction Centre during their college hours, where a brand-new specialist CNC machine has just been installed to help train the budding furniture makers.

It is hoped that the course will not only equip apprentices with specialist skills, but with a wide range of skills needed to work in a number of roles within the sector.

Steve Plumstead, head of faculty for construction at Kirklees College said: “It has been a pleasure working with HSL to develop the Furniture Making apprenticeship. We hope to generate a lot of interest in the apprenticeship and help kick-start many careers in this thriving local industry.”