APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
We have been running our Apprenticeship Scheme for over 35 years and are proud to have won National Employer of the Year for Small Businesses and Platinum Award for Excellence in Training for the last five consecutive years.
The closing date for applications for our 2026 Apprenticeship Scheme is 1st June 2026
Our scheme is available to young people who live locally aged from 16 years upwards. We work in close partnership with Rycotewood College in Oxford where our apprentices attend block release learning throughout their courses.
Our apprentices study for 3-4 years for two seperate qualifications – Level 2 Furniture Manufacturer (2 years) and Level 3 Bespoke Furniture Maker (2 years). The two courses both have practical project elements as well as portfolio written work.
For us it’s simple: investing in new, raw talent means investing in the future of our business.
Many of our senior staff started their journey as apprentices. Some have progressed from their craft training to roles in machine operation, purchasing and design whilst others have continued their passion for hands on craft benchwork. There are always opportunities to specialise too, for example in our finishing department and metalwork shop.
The training includes gaining experience in all areas of our workshop – hand shop, spray shop, metalwork shop, timber mill, and warehouse.
Our apprentices work on live projects from day one under the guidance of our senior makers and managers.
We usually offer two placements each year subject to students carrying out a one month trial in our workshop. For more details please contact us training@benchmarkfurniture.com