The bed industry in the UK and Ireland is thriving. From apprenticeships to upskilling in your current role, there really is something for everyone in the bed industry. You can even gain qualifications whilst in your role – as seen in our video below.
Employers: Download the free NBF careers videos toolkit, which includes the main video above, two shorter mobile-friendly videos, social media graphics and suggested copy.
If you’re interested in a job in sustainability, the bed industry is for you. Sustainability and circular economy work is critical to the future of the bed industry and many of our members are working hard towards improving their working environments, processes and products, (see our NBF Green pages for more information about NBF initiatives to support our members’ green journeys).
From mattress manufacturing and finishing to roles in logistics, sales, and administration, apprenticeships can help you build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Beyond hands-on roles, apprenticeships are also available for essential business functions like administration, customer service, management, sales, retail, team leadership, warehousing and much more.
With Government funding available to cover 95 – 100% of training costs, apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to develop qualified staff, tailored to the needs of your business.
Available apprenticeships include:
Plus business and operational roles such as:
The NBF is a member of the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA) – an alliance of industry organisations that aims to reduce the widening skills gap.
FIESTA proudly supports NBF members and businesses across the bed industry in accessing high-quality apprenticeship services. NBF members can access FIESTA’s services for FREE (normally worth £500), giving businesses direct access to tailored advice on apprenticeships, funding and training.
Whether you’re new to apprenticeships or looking to streamline your recruitment process, our tailored support packages make it easy to find, train and develop the next generation of skilled professionals.
Perfect for businesses new to apprenticeships, with limited time or resources.
Includes:
Ideal for businesses seeking more personalised advice while managing the process themselves.
Includes everything in Essential Guidance, plus:
Normally 15% – currently available at 10% for National Bed Federation members.
Our comprehensive recruitment solution manages the entire process for you:
Discover how FIESTA can help you find an apprenticeship info@fiesta.org.uk
If you’re an employer, chat to FIESTA to explore how apprenticeships can work for your business.
The manufacturing sector is vital to the UK economy and as the economy evolves, sectors are experiencing different levels of growth, change, and challenge.
For employers, this means navigating shifting workforce demands while building skilled, inclusive, and resilient teams.
The DWP offers a comprehensive range of free employer-facing services to support recruitment, training, and workforce development in the bed industry.
In March 2026, as part of its Youth Guarantee, the government announced £1 billion of funding to help create 200,000 jobs for young people. This includes a new Youth Jobs Grant, under which businesses will receive £3,000 for every young person aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and has been looking for work for six months.
They also expanded the Jobs Guarantee to a wider age range, from 18-21 to 18-24, to create more than 35,000 extra subsidised jobs. Plus, an Apprenticeship Incentive of £2,000 for each new employee aged 16-24 taken on by an SME.
DWP provides a suite of free programmes and services to help employers recruit and upskill staff efficiently.
Employers can access support through local teams, which includes assistance to create job adverts, use of local Jobcentre facilities for interviews (where space is available) and opportunities to attend local job fairs.
Alongside this DWP provides a suite of programmes which include
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) and the Wales Skills to Employment Pathway (WSEP) offer pre-employment training tailored to industry needs, ensuring candidates are equipped with relevant skills before starting work.
SWAPs offer businesses the opportunity to trial a candidate who has received relevant training in a role and if they are a match, hire them through a guaranteed interview.
Work Experience placements and Work Trials allow employers to assess candidates in real-world settings, improving hiring outcomes and retention.
These programmes are flexible, cost-effective, and adaptable to a wide range of roles, from technical to customer-facing positions. Employers can collaborate with local Jobcentres to tailor recruitment and training efforts to meet specific business needs.
DWP also supports inclusive hiring practices. The Disability Confident scheme helps organisations attract and retain disabled talent, while Jobcentre partnerships enable outreach to underrepresented groups. These initiatives promote workforce diversity and contribute to broader social impact.
Central to the drive is Find a job, the government’s internet jobs board, which brings together employers and their vacancies with people who are looking for work. It’s free to use for employers based in England, Scotland and Wales. It is self-service, available 24/7, and can be accessed at a time that suits employers in terms of creating and managing their job advertisements.
This service complements DWP’s local and national support, helping employers connect with candidates quickly and effectively.
For more tailored support, employers can contact the Employer Services Line for expert advice and labour market insights. The Employer Services Line can link you with Jobcentre Plus teams across the UK, helping you tap into a diverse pool of candidates and community networks.
Organisations with complex recruitment needs—such as large-scale hiring or multi-site expansion—can reach out to the DWP Strategic Relationship Team for bespoke assistance. Contact: srt.newbusiness@dwp.gov.uk
You can find out more about how DWP can support you by visiting How Jobcentre Plus can help employers.
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