Bespoke furniture making apprenticeship

N E J STEVENSON LTD

RUGBY (CV23 9HD)

Closes in 11 days (Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 May 2026


Summary

N.E.J. Stevenson Ltd is a world-renowned designer and manufacturer of bespoke furniture and architectural joinery. You will be trained by skilled craftspeople, gaining knowledge of machining, cabinetmaking and polishing. On successful completion of the course and attaining the standard required, you will be offered a position at the company.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Second year will be a minimum of the standard National Minimum wage plus enhancements for performance and achievement where applicable.

Training course
Furniture manufacturer (level 2)
Hours
Monday–Friday is usually between 9.00am - 5.00pm weekdays, overtime as agreed. One 15-minute paid morning break and one 30-minute lunch break unpaid.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • You will undertake extended periods within each department learning to select timber and veneers
  • You will become competent in using basic machinery and power tools as well as learning construction techniques and manual skills
  • You will learn the importance of accuracy, attention to detail and the importance of thorough preparation prior to the finishing process
  • You will learn how to mix stains and apply primers and topcoat spray lacquers

Where you'll work

CHURCH LAWFORD BUSINESS CENTRE
LIMESTONE HALL LANE
CHURCH LAWFORD
RUGBY
CV23 9HD

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ACTIVATE LEARNING

Training course

Furniture manufacturer (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

  • You will gain a Level 2 NVQ in furniture making, which will be achieved by on-the-job training and a 10-week block release at Rycotewood College in Oxford
  • By the end of the training period, you should be competent in basic machining and entry-level cabinet making

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • Design and Technology (grade 6)
  • English (grade 6)
  • Maths (grade 6)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

It would be an advantage if you have an existing interest in woodworking and design.

About this employer

N.E.J. Stevenson Cabinetmakers was formed in 1984 and is one of the countries leading bespoke furnituremakers working in historic buildings and luxury private homes. The company was granted a Royal Warrant in 2003 as Cabinetmakers to Her Majesty the Queen and as Cabinetmakers to the King in 2024.

http://www.nejstevenson.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • On successful completion of your apprenticeship, and in discussion with the Production Director, you will be offered a role in keeping with your level of ability. This will usually be as an entry-level role, but could be as a cabinetmaker, machinist or polisher
  • As you become more skilled, you can progress to being a Lead craftsman with the possibility of taking on skilled supervisory roles or moving into a specialist skills position such as a CNC operator or draughtsman

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

N E J STEVENSON LTD

Neil Stevenson

info@nejstevenson.co.uk

02476546878

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023076.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11:59pm)