Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Alex James Clarke

Stapleford,Nottingham

Summary

Skilled professional with expertise in precision craftsmanship, artistic creativity, and furniture restoration knowledge. Adept at delivering high-quality results through meticulous attention to detail and innovative design approaches. Committed to preserving the integrity of furniture while enhancing its aesthetic appeal, with a focus on achieving excellence in every project undertaken.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Upholsterer

Andrew Paul Furniture
Long Eaton
12.2016 - 06.2025
  • Upholstered, repaired, and restored a wide range of furniture to high-quality standards for domestic and commercial clients
  • Worked from specification sheets, templates, and verbal instructions to complete bespoke and production-line pieces
  • Stripped and re-covered furniture including sofas, chairs, headboards, and ottomans using traditional and modern techniques
  • Operated hand and power tools safely and efficiently in a busy workshop environment
  • Managed time effectively to meet tight deadlines and quality control standards
  • Collaborated closely with colleagues and management to solve build challenges and ensure customer satisfaction
  • Company closed due to liquidation

Upholsterer / Workshop Assistant

Florrie and Bill
Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
06.2014 - 12.2016
  • Sole upholsterer in a small, independent workshop producing bespoke recovers of vintage and antique furniture including 1950s chairs, sofas, stools, and beds
  • Managed day-to-day operations including ordering supplies, preparing customer orders for delivery or pickup, and coordinating production schedules
  • Hand-cut fabrics and occasionally operated sewing machines to complete unique, made-to-order upholstery projects
  • Helped create original in-house fabric designs, contributing creatively to product offerings
  • Supported social media efforts, contributing to online content and showcasing the creative process behind furniture restoration
  • Assisted in planning and hosting public workshop days, educating visitors on upholstery techniques and furniture restoration
  • Played a key role in maintaining the reputation and quality standards of a growing Instagram-led business

Upholsterer

Duresta Upholstery
Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
01.2013 - 06.2014
  • Completed NVQ Level 3 Advanced Upholstery Apprenticeship at Webbs Furniture Training College, achieving Merit grade
  • Worked on high-end furniture production, learning advanced techniques in fabric cutting, webbing, stuffing, and finishing
  • Developed strong skills in quality control, production efficiency, and teamwork in a busy manufacturing environment

Apprentice Upholsterer

Steed Upholstery
Nottingham
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Completed NVQ Level 2 Upholstery Apprenticeship, achieving Merit grade
  • Gained hands-on experience in furniture preparation, frame assembly, and basic upholstery methods
  • Learned traditional upholstery techniques and workshop safety procedures

Sales Representative

Solarlec
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
06.2011 - 09.2011
  • Worked as part of a small team promoting solar panel solutions via telephone
  • Made outbound calls to generate leads and set appointments with potential customers
  • Developed strong communication and persuasion skills in a target-driven environment
  • Gained valuable customer service experience and confidence in handling enquiries

Education

GCSEs - Motor Vehicle Studies, Art, Sciences, English, Maths

Wilsthorpe School
01.2005 - 01.2010

NVQ Level 3 Advanced Upholstery - Advanced Upholstery

Webs Furniture Training College
Nottingham
02.2012 - 02.2023

NVQ Level 2 Upholstery - Modern Upholsterer

Webs Furniture College
Nottingham

Skills

  • Precision craftsmanship
  • Artistic creativity
  • Furniture restoration knowledge
  • Deadline adherence
  • Material sourcing efficiency
  • Frame assembly
  • Frame repair

Affiliations

  • Painting
  • Exercise
  • Cinema

Timeline

Upholsterer

Andrew Paul Furniture
12.2016 - 06.2025

Upholsterer / Workshop Assistant

Florrie and Bill
06.2014 - 12.2016

Upholsterer

Duresta Upholstery
01.2013 - 06.2014

NVQ Level 3 Advanced Upholstery - Advanced Upholstery

Webs Furniture Training College
02.2012 - 02.2023

Apprentice Upholsterer

Steed Upholstery
01.2012 - 01.2013

Sales Representative

Solarlec
06.2011 - 09.2011

GCSEs - Motor Vehicle Studies, Art, Sciences, English, Maths

Wilsthorpe School
01.2005 - 01.2010

NVQ Level 2 Upholstery - Modern Upholsterer

Webs Furniture College
Alex James Clarke