Wycombe Furniture Forum

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Local & Regional Training Providers

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) – Design & Product / Furniture Design

BNU offers a leading design programme that supports the next generation of furniture and product designers. Students combine traditional craft, prototyping, CAD, user-centred design, and sustainability.
Relevant course: BSc (Hons) Product & Furniture Design — full details here:
https://www.bucks.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-product-and-furniture-design (Buckinghamshire New University)

You can also explore Degree & Higher Apprenticeships via BNU’s apprenticeship hub. (Buckinghamshire New University)

 

Bucks College Group – Carpentry & Joinery

With campuses around High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Amersham, Bucks College offers construction site carpentry and joinery training from foundational through advanced levels. These skills are the backbone of workshop and on-site capability — setting-out, joinery, machinery use, site finishing and more.

For further information review their website:

https://www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk/construction

(Search the Bucks College Group site under “Carpentry & Joinery” courses.)

 

Rycotewood Furniture Centre (City of Oxford College)

Based in Oxford, Rycotewood is highly respected for furniture making, design, restoration and bespoke craft training. Its workshops and specialist tutors make it ideal for hands-on training in cabinetry, fine furniture, and design-to-make workflows.

(Search Rycotewood’s “Courses” section:

Rycotewood Furniture | Furniture Making College | Oxfordshire )

 

Sylva Foundation / Sylva Wood Centre (South Oxfordshire)

At the Sylva Wood Centre (Wood School), short courses and modular training are offered — from hand tools and joinery, to specialist woodworking techniques and machinery safety. These are excellent for makers who want to upskill a specific area or refresh workshop practices.

Visit:

https://woodschool.sylva.org.uk/short-courses/

 

National / Remote Training & Sector Bodies

• FIESTA (Furniture & Interiors Education, Skills & Training Alliance) — provides guidance on national standards, networking, and apprenticeship routes in the furniture & interiors sector. FIESTA - Furniture & Interiors Education, Skills & Training Alliance

• The Furniture Makers’ Company — supports education, bursaries, and professional development for furniture professionals. Apprentice & Skills Plus Service - The Furniture Makers' Company

• Providers across the UK now offer blended or remote degree apprenticeships, enabling staff to learn while working — useful for rural or smaller firms where commuting is impractical.

 

Apprenticeships, Funding & Support

Funding & incentives (England)

• For apprenticeships starting on or after 1 April 2024, training costs are fully funded (100%) for apprentices up to age 21 in non-levy-paying employers. (Buckinghamshire Business First)

• For apprentices aged 22 and over (or for employers contributing), employers typically pay 5% of training costs, with the government covering the rest (95%). (Buckinghamshire Business First)

• Employers might be eligible for additional incentive payments, e.g. £1,000 for recruiting apprentices aged 16–18 or those aged 19–25 with an Education, Health & Care plan (EHC). (Buckinghamshire Business First)

• If you pay the apprenticeship levy (i.e. larger employers), you can use your levy funds to support apprenticeships, or transfer unused levy funds to support other local employers. (Buckinghamshire New University)

• Buckinghamshire Council has a levy transfer scheme for local employers: small employers or those using up all their levy may be eligible to draw from transferred funds. (Buckinghamshire Council)

Local support: Buckinghamshire Business First & Bucks Skills Hub

• Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) offers guidance, consultation, and support to employers exploring apprenticeships: cost modelling, provider matching, application help. (Buckinghamshire Business First)

• Bucks Skills Hub connects employers, training providers and candidates; helps with apprenticeship standards, vacancy promotion, and funding clarity. (bucksskillshub.org)

• BBF also publishes guides and keeps members up to date with incentive changes, flexi-job apprenticeships, etc. (Buckinghamshire Business First)

 

WFF Vacancies Board

Connecting Furniture Makers with People

The Wycombe Furniture Forum (WFF) exists to support and grow the region’s furniture industry — and that includes helping connect the right people to the opportunities available.

Here you’ll find current vacancies from local and member businesses — from apprenticeships and traineeships to experienced roles in design, cabinet making, furnishing, finishing, and production and management. 

Whether you’re looking to start your career or take your next step in the world of fine furniture, this is the place to look.

 

Current Vacancies

No current job adverts

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Employers: 

Are you a WFF member looking for new team members or apprentices?

We’ll publish your listing on this page and share it through our network and social channels.

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To submit your vacancy:

1. Send your vacancy information to us via the Contact US form, including the following information:

   • Job title, Company name, 

   • Role type (apprenticeship / experienced hire / contract / freelance)

   • Hours / salary  / location

   • Brief description of role

   • Application email address for candidates to use

 

Your listing will stay live for 8 weeks (you can request renewal).

 

Need help?

If you need advice on recruitment or advertising your role, contact us.