Job Summary
- Employer: Kenmart Investments
- Job Type: Temporary
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Trades & Skilled Labour
- Closing Date: 2026-10-07
Key Responsibilities
- Upholster and reupholster chairs, couches, sofas, headboards, benches and other furniture.
- Measure, cut and fit fabric, leather, vinyl, foam, padding, springs and webbing.
- Repair and replace worn or damaged upholstery and fittings.
- Clean and prepare furniture for upholstery, ensuring proper fit and finish.
- Ensure accurate measurements, neat finishing and quality workmanship.
- Maintain material wastage and organise the workspace.
- Follow all health and safety procedures and report required defects.
- Record and report completed jobs and material requirements.
Requirements
- Good knowledge of furniture repair skills.
- Good measuring, cutting, sewing and fitting skills.
- Ability to work with hands and use hand and power tools.
- Good knowledge of upholstery materials and techniques.
- Attention to detail and ability to finish work to high standards.
- Good communication, teamwork, reliability and quality workmanship.
- Valid upholstery certificate (relevant trade qualification).
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Previous experience in upholstery (minimum 2 years preferred).
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or experience do I need to work as a temporary upholsterer in Botswana?
Most employers prefer candidates with a Craft Certificate in Upholstery from institutions like Botswana Technical Education Programme (BTEP) or similar vocational training. Practical experience through apprenticeships or previous work in furniture repair shops is highly valued. Some employers may accept candidates with demonstrated hands-on skills even without formal certification.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a temporary upholsterer at a company like Kenmart Investments?
Daily tasks include stripping old fabric and padding from furniture, measuring and cutting new materials, sewing covers, and fitting foam and fabric to frames. You may also repair springs, webbing, and wooden frames depending on the project scope. Temporary roles often involve meeting production targets and adapting to varying workloads based on seasonal demand.
How does temporary employment work in Botswana, and what should I expect regarding job security?
Temporary contracts in Botswana are typically governed by the Employment Act and specify fixed durations, often tied to project completion or seasonal needs. Employers must provide written contracts outlining terms, and workers are entitled to basic protections including safe working conditions. However, temporary roles rarely guarantee renewal, so building a strong reputation and network is essential for securing future opportunities.
What benefits are temporary workers in Botswana typically entitled to, such as leave or medical support?
Temporary employees are generally entitled to pro-rated annual leave and public holidays as per Botswana labour law, though paid sick leave may be limited. Medical aid and pension contributions are not always provided for short-term contracts, so clarifying these terms before signing is important. Some larger employers may offer limited benefits to retain skilled tradespeople during busy periods.
What do employers in Botswana look for when hiring temporary upholsterers, and how should I apply?
Employers prioritize reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Prepare a portfolio showing before-and-after photos of your work, and obtain references from previous supervisors or workshop owners. Applications are typically submitted in person or via email with a concise CV highlighting relevant experience, as many trades positions in Botswana are filled through direct contact rather than online portals.
Are there opportunities to advance from temporary upholsterer to permanent or supervisory roles in Botswana?
Skilled upholsterers who demonstrate consistency and leadership potential can progress to permanent positions or workshop supervisor roles over time. Specializing in high-end restoration, automotive upholstery, or training apprentices can open doors to self-employment or management positions. Building relationships with furniture manufacturers and interior design firms in Gaborone or Francistown also creates pathways for contract work and business ownership.
