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Skills, roles & job grades.

Explore job classifications and the skills behind furniture manufacturing.

Illustrative furniture instructor and apprentice discussing a chair frame

Classification overview

5 grades, 17 positions

Our job grading system supports fair pay and clear career progression for workers in the furniture manufacturing industry.

A

Grade A – Entry Level

Basic manual work and assistance roles

Grade details

Assistant Saw Doctor

Assists saw doctor in sharpening cutters and saws.

Button Moulder

Covers buttons with material using manual button machine.

Clamper

Clamps/joins timber/boards together using a manual/pressurised clamping machine.

Cushion Filler

Fills cushions by hand or machine into cushion covers.

Foil/Veneer Cutter

Cuts veneer/foil to attain the right size and shape using a guillotine/wire cutter/knife.

Typical requirements

  • Basic education
  • Physical fitness
  • Willingness to learn

Benefits

  • On-job training
  • Safety equipment provided
  • Career progression opportunities
B

Grade B – Basic Skilled

Machine operation and basic skilled work

Grade details

Framer/Sub Assembler

Joins/assembles components together by using staple guns/clamps.

Chain Saw Operator

Cuts timber to required lengths/dimensions using chainsaw.

Security Guard

Guards and maintains security on the premises of the employer.

Typical requirements

  • Grade 7 education
  • Basic technical skills
  • 1-2 years experience

Benefits

  • Skills training
  • Safety certification
  • Performance bonuses
C

Grade C – Machine Operators

Specialized machine operation roles

Grade details

Cross-cut Machine Operator

Operates cross-cutting machinery for timber processing.

Surface Planner Operator

Operates surface planning machines for wood finishing.

Table/Bench Saw Operator

Operates table and bench saws for precision cutting.

Typical requirements

  • Grade 7 education
  • Machine operation experience
  • Safety certification

Benefits

  • Advanced training
  • Equipment allowance
  • Promotion opportunities
D

Grade D – Skilled Workers

Specialized crafts and skilled operations

Grade details

Assembler

Assembles furniture components into finished products.

Upholsterer

Specializes in furniture upholstery and soft furnishings.

Spray Painter/Hand Polisher

Applies finishes and polish to furniture pieces.

Typical requirements

  • Vocational training
  • 3-5 years experience
  • Craft certification

Benefits

  • Professional development
  • Skills allowance
  • Mentorship programs
E

Grade E – Technical Operators

Advanced technical and computerized operations

Grade details

C.N.C Operator

Operates computer numerical control machines.

Forklift Operator

Operates forklift equipment for material handling.

Carver

Creates decorative carvings and detailed woodwork.

Typical requirements

  • Technical diploma
  • Computer literacy
  • 5+ years experience

Benefits

  • Technology training
  • Equipment certification
  • Higher compensation

Download Official Documents

Access the complete statutory instruments and job classification documents