The Young Professional Industry Experience scheme is to resume after a four-year hiatus.
The programme, provides aspiring young people working in the furnishing industry a unique opportunity to visit sector leading companies and understand all areas of the wider trade, including materials, designing, manufacturing, pricing, marketing, sales and customer service.
It is aimed at young professionals, with three years or less experience in the industry, who have shown promise and would benefit from the opportunity of gaining a 360-degree perspective of the entire trade.
Eight people will be selected to take part in the tour of more than 20 companies, which will include masterclasses with businesses including Axminster Tools, Hypnos, Miller Knoll, Ocee & Four Design, Panaz, SATRA and the Sylva Foundation.
Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, the deadline for applications is 16 February.
Applicants will be informed if they have made it through to the shortlisting interviews in early March, with short virtual interviews taking place later that month. The programme will run in alternate weeks from 3 June – 5 July, with a presentation lunch to employers and industry stakeholders taking place on 25 July.
‘The course really opened my eyes to the overall supply chain and my company’s role within it. Being able to visit these companies first hand and get an exclusive look into their operations is an opportunity which many of my colleagues are envious. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to get a better understanding of the industry,’ says Ben Brook, CD UK customer support manager, who participated in the 2017 programme.
The programme is free to attend but employers are required to cover the travel, accommodation, and subsistence of their employees during the three weeks of the programme.
Pictured is Miller Knoll’s Connect by its Muuto brand
