Upholstery Project
The Upholstery Skills for Women Project is a 12-week training program that provides women with practical upholstery and furniture restoration skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience in the safe use of power tools, upholstery techniques, furniture refurbishment, and creative upcycling while building confidence, social connections, and pathways to future employment or enterprise opportunities.
The project will train 20 women across two phases, with an additional reserve list of 10 participants. Focussed on refugee and migrant women, the program is open to all women over 18 years of age.
Only participants committed to the 12 weeks program are encouraged to apply. Please see the eligibility criteria.
Key Otcomes for participants:
- Learn practical upholstery and furniture restoration skills.
- Introduce the safe use of power tools.
- Increase confidence, independence, and social inclusion.
- Support pathways to further training, employment, or small business opportunities.
- Promote circular economy principles through furniture repair and upcycling.
Program Structure
Duration
- 12-Week project
- Delivered in two phases
- Weekly sessions of 4–5 hours
- Each phase consists of approximately 26 weeks of training
- Additional sessions may be scheduled to ensure project completion
Participant Numbers
- 20 refugee and migrant women trained
- 10 participants per phase
- Reserve list of up to 10 additional applicants
Training Components
Introduction to Power Tools
Participants will begin the program with an introductory workshop led by Johannes Schaeffer, focusing on:
- Safe use of power tools
- Workshop safety procedures
- Basic woodworking skills
- Confidence building in a practical workshop environment
Upholstery Skills Training
Participants will progress to structured upholstery training covering:
- Upholstery tools and materials
- Furniture assessment and preparation
- Fabric selection and measuring
- Foam replacement and padding
- Stapling and finishing techniques
- Chair and furniture restoration
- Furniture renovation and upcycling projects
- Sustainable repair practices
Program Details
- Location: Poppyfield Commons, Poppyfield Street Dickson Act 2602
- Dates:
- PHASE 1
- August- November 2026
- PHASE 2
- February- April 2027
- Places: Limited 10 participants in each group
- Cost: FREE