National School of Furniture launched at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College

A new school launched last week to help budding furniture makers break into the industry.

The National School of Furniture sees the educational sector unite with manufacturing businesses and associations.

The unique partnership will create a holistic educational experience, offering huge benefits to learners and the entire furniture industry.

Chris Hyde, furniture manager and head of the National School of Furniture at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, said: “This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that the education sector and employers invest in skills for growth. The School will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the furniture industry and the nation as a whole.”

According to Mr Hyde, the scheme enables students to make new contacts, giving them “the opportunity to make links with the furniture industry, providing routes into employment”.

The courses can be studied at two educational establishments: Bucks New University in High Wycombe, and Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. They will be working together to provide education across all levels, from Certificate (Level 1) to PhD (Level 8). Having such a range helps to create an educational journey with flexible entry and exit points.

Dr Lynn Jones, head of the National School of Furniture at Bucks New University, believes the different levels of courses can help any type of student

Dr Jones said: “Between the two educational centres we believe we can really help people to get to where they want to be, whether they are students starting to study an aspect of the subject for the very first time, or established industry personnel in need of trainees, managers, skills or just advice. It’s all about connecting teaching to the industry.”

Through the school, students have an array of courses they can choose from, including short skills-based training, bespoke industry courses, apprenticeships, leisure courses and diplomas. It also offers undergraduate, foundation and master’s degree courses.

The National School of Furniture aims to create a skills base for furniture making, design, manufacture, conservation and furniture retail in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. In the long term, it hopes to spread their wings by providing a portal via a website for anybody interested in the UK industry. The portal will help interested indiviudals get connected to the school’s network of partners, alumni, industry supporters, sponsors and key industry personnel.

However, it’s not just students who gain from their education and interaction with the industry.

Mr Hyde exlains: “This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that the education sector and employers invest in skills for growth.

“The School will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the furniture industry and the nation as a whole.”

The School will also provide a resource for the furniture industry, including the development of an archive for historical reference, as well as a research base and test bed for existing and new furniture projects.

Chris Thompson