Upholstery Trainee

Gratz Pilates; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO/HMO health plans

Low-cost dental plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays, vacation

Job summary

Gratz Pilates is seeking an Upholstery Trainee / Sewing Machine Operator to learn upholstery construction through hands-on production. The role emphasizes learning; sewing is a supporting function and will be a smaller portion of the work.

You will assist with preparing and assembling cushions, mats, and pads, and you will measure, cut, and handle materials like vinyl, fabric, and foam under guidance from experienced upholsterers.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have basic sewing or industrial machine experience.
• Interest in learning upholstery and working with hands-on materials.
• Ability to measure, cut, and handle materials accurately.
• Willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Learn upholstery processes through hands-on participation in daily production work.
• Assist with the preparation and assembly of cushions, mats, and pads.
• Measure, cut, and handle upholstery materials including vinyl, fabric, and foam.
• Stretch, wrap, and attach materials to padding under direction of experienced upholsterers.
• Operate an industrial sewing machine for basic seams, closures, or reinforcement as needed.
• Prepare sewn components for final upholstery assembly.
• Inspect work for alignment, fit, and general quality.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow instructions and apply feedback while developing upholstery skills.
• Support the team in meeting daily production goals.

Skills

Basic sewing experience

Interest in upholstery

Measuring and cutting materials

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

High school education preferred

Education

High school diploma or vocational training

Tools

Industrial sewing machine

Staple gun

Job description

Upholstery Trainee / Sewing Machine Operator

Job Summary: This role is designed for a candidate with basic sewing or industrial machine experience who is interested in developing upholstery skills. The Upholstery Trainee supports the upholstery department and will spend the majority of time learning upholstery construction, materials, and techniques through hands‑on production work. Sewing is a supporting function and represents a small portion of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn upholstery processes through hands‑on participation in daily production work
• Assist with the preparation and assembly of upholstered components such as cushions, mats, and pads
• Measure, cut, and handle upholstery materials including vinyl, fabric, and foam
• Stretch, wrap, and attach materials to padding and components under direction of experienced upholsterers
• Use staple guns, hand tools, and upholstery equipment safely and accurately
• Operate an industrial sewing machine for basic seams, closures, or reinforcement as needed
• Prepare sewn components for final upholstery assembly
• Inspect work for alignment, fit, and general quality
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Follow instructions, ask questions, and apply feedback while developing upholstery skills
• Support the team in meeting daily production goals

Skills & Qualifications

• Basic experience with sewing or operating an industrial sewing machine
• Interest in learning upholstery and working with hands‑on materials
• Ability to measure, cut, and handle materials accurately
• Willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and construction methods
• Attention to detail and care for finished work
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing or shop environment
• Ability to work collaboratively and take direction
• Furniture, upholstery, or hands‑on fabrication experience is a plus, but not required
• High school education or vocational training preferred

Working Conditions

• The role may require standing for extended periods and working with various finishing products and tools.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required.

About Us/ Company Overview:

A pioneer in the Pilates industry since the late 1960s, Gratz Pilates is the original manufacturer of classical Pilates apparatus—renowned for our enduring quality and craftsmanship, our products have been trusted by two generations of studio owners, instructors, and practitioners worldwide. In our manufacturing production, roles vary in skilled tradeand experience, but all place an emphasis on craftsmanship. Ifyou’relooking to join a growing and fast-paced team with the goal of excellence,come build with us.

Benefits

• Multiple PPO/HMO plans to choose from
• Low-cost Dental add-on
• Provided Short-term/Long-term Disability
• No-cost Life Insurance Policy
• Paid Holidays, Sick Time & Vacation Days