Free Level 3 Furniture Design and Making Course in Burnley. Classes run at Burnley College, full-time during the day. You'll need to have completed the Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making to join. This level 3 furniture design and making qualification takes one year and builds precision hand skills and machine use to a professional standard. You'll work through complex builds from brief to finished piece, covering advanced joinery, timber selection, veneering, carcass construction, curved work, and high-quality finishing.
Who this course is for
The Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Making is an advanced, employer focused course that refines precision hand skills and safe, efficient machine use to professional standards. You will tackle complex projects covering advanced setting out and geometry, timber selection, veneering and laminating, fine joints and carcass construction, accurate drawer and door fitting, curved and shaped work, and high quality finishing, with exposure to CNC ready workflows where available. Training takes place in well equipped workshops on portfolio worthy builds, and assessment combines knowledge tests, observed practical tasks, and a synoptic assignment that delivers a complete piece to specification, deadline, and commercial tolerances. You can progress into employment as cabinet or fine furniture makers, prototype or bespoke workshop technicians, shopfitting or heritage roles, or continue via Level 3 or Level 4 apprenticeships, NVQ routes, HNC in Furniture Design or self employed practice supported by a strong portfolio.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making.
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced setting out and geometry for complex furniture builds.
You'll practise timber selection, conversion, veneering, and laminating.
You'll cut and fit complex joints, carcasses, drawers, and doors to fine tolerances.
You'll create curved and shaped work using jigs and fixtures.
You'll apply high-quality surface preparation and finishing techniques.
You'll plan projects using cutting lists, job costing, and production schedules.
You'll gain exposure to CNC-ready workflows, ergonomics, and sustainable material use.
How you will learn
You'll train in well-equipped workshops with industry-experienced tutors. Assessment blends written or online knowledge tests with observed practical tasks. You'll also complete a synoptic assignment where you design or interpret a client brief, then set out, manufacture, assemble, and finish a complex piece to specification. Supporting evidence includes drawings, risk assessments, and process documentation.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Cabinet maker. Craft fitted and freestanding furniture to client specification.
Fine furniture maker. Produce bespoke, high-end pieces in a specialist workshop.
Prototype workshop technician. Build one-off samples for designers and manufacturers.
Shopfitter. Design and install commercial interiors and display units.
Heritage restoration technician. Repair and restore antique and period furniture.
Bespoke workshop technician. Work on custom commissions in a small studio or workshop.
What you could study next
Level 3 or Level 4 Furniture Making Apprenticeship. Earn while you work and gain recognised on-the-job experience alongside your qualification.
Level 4 qualification in furniture design or product design. A step toward technical or design-led roles in manufacturing.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Design. Opens routes into product design, interior design, or design management.
