Apply now
CourseRestoration & Classics Applications open

Ergonomics in Artisan Upholstery Course

Online 300-hour course in ergonomics in artisan upholstery. 6 modules covering ISO 6385 (ergonomic principles in the design of work systems), ISO 7250-1 (basic human body measurements for technical design) and Rhinoceros 3D. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse the vehicle seat as the driver's workstation.

02

Assess the structure, suspension and geometry of the original seat.

03

Select padding materials according to comfort and durability.

04

Apply upholstery and tailoring techniques that respect the original shape.

05

Adapt ergonomics to real use without altering the historical appearance.

06

Consider safety and flammability requirements for materials.

07

Apply ergonomic principles to the upholsterer's own work in the workshop.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Classic vehicle upholsterer wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Seat designer wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Ergonomics technician wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Car interior restorer wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Upholstery pattern maker wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Upholstery workshop manager wishing to specialise in Ergonomics in artisan upholstery.
  • Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter automotive upholstery.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 6385 (ergonomic principles in the design of work systems)
  • ISO 7250-1 (basic human body measurements for technical design)
  • SAE J826 (H-point manikin)
  • ISO 3386-1 (compression characteristics of flexible foams)
  • ISO 3795 (burning behaviour of interior materials of vehicles)
  • UNECE Regulation No. 17 (seats and their anchorages)
  • RD 487/1997 (manual handling of loads)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Function of the seat beyond the upholstery
  2. 1.2Anthropometry and percentiles
  3. 1.3Driving posture and fatigue
  4. 1.4Lumbar and pelvic support
  5. 1.5Backrest and cushion angles
  6. 1.6Contact pressure and its distribution
  7. 1.7Differences between eras and categories
  8. 1.8Regulations and safety
  9. 1.9Documentation of the original seat
  10. 1.10Workshop: ergonomic assessment of a seat
  1. 2.1Frame and its condition
  2. 2.2Coil and zigzag springs
  3. 2.3Elastic webbing and hessian
  4. 2.4Structural repair
  5. 2.5Guides, rails and mechanisms
  6. 2.6Available adjustments
  7. 2.7Floor anchorages and safety
  8. 2.8Stiffness and its effect on comfort
  9. 2.9Tightening torques
  10. 2.10Practical: rebuilding the base of a seat
  1. 3.1Horsehair, cotton and wadding in antique seats
  2. 3.2Foams and their density
  3. 3.3Foam degradation over time
  4. 3.4Choosing density by zone
  5. 3.5Layers and their order
  6. 3.6Felts and separators
  7. 3.7Breathability of the assembly
  8. 3.8Flame-retardant materials
  9. 3.9Reproducing the original feel
  10. 3.10Practical: rebuilding the padding
  1. 4.1Patterns from the original
  2. 4.2Leather, vinyl and fabrics
  3. 4.3Grain direction and stretch
  4. 4.4Seams, topstitching and piping
  5. 4.5Tufting and buttons
  6. 4.6Fixing: staples, cord and battens
  7. 4.7Even tensioning
  8. 4.8Wrinkles and their correction
  9. 4.9Edge finishing
  10. 4.10Practical: making up and fitting a cover
  1. 5.1Adjustment for the regular driver
  2. 5.2Height and distance to the controls
  3. 5.3Visibility and head position
  4. 5.4Support in bends
  5. 5.5Transmitted vibration
  6. 5.6Heat and perspiration in the material
  7. 5.7Passengers and rear seats
  8. 5.8Balancing authenticity and comfort
  9. 5.9Validation with the owner
  10. 5.10Practical: documented adjustment for a user
  1. 6.1Seat belts and their anchorages
  2. 6.2Head restraints and their fitting
  3. 6.3Seat anchorage strength
  4. 6.4Upholstery maintenance
  5. 6.5Leather cleaning and conditioning
  6. 6.6Protection from sunlight
  7. 6.7Common upholsterer errors
  8. 6.8Cost and timescales of the work
  9. 6.9Documented real cases
  10. 6.10Final project: restored seat with an ergonomic approach
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rhinoceros 3D, SolidWorks, Jack (Siemens, ergonomic simulation), Optitex (pattern making), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real comfort test procedures with real users, H-point and driving position measurement, and cushion compression tests. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:faculty with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with ciber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Seat belts and their anchorages

Analyse the vehicle seat as the driver's workstation.

Head restraints and their fitting

Assess the structure, suspension and geometry of the original seat.

Seat anchorage strength

Select padding materials according to comfort and durability.

Upholstery maintenance

Apply upholstery and tailoring techniques that respect the original shape.

Leather cleaning and conditioning

Adapt ergonomics to real use without altering the historical appearance.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Classic vehicle upholstererSeat designerErgonomics technicianCar interior restorerUpholstery pattern makerUpholstery workshop manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with Rhinoceros 3D, SolidWorks, Jack (Siemens, ergonomic simulation) and Optitex (pattern making). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Restoration & Classics
Course830 $

Polishing and Correction of Vintage Lacquer Course

Online course of 300 h in polishing and correction of vintage lacquer. 6 modules covering ISO 2813 (determination of gloss), ISO 4628 (evaluation of coating degradation)…

300 hOnlineRestoration & Classics
Course610 $

SU Carburettors Course: Restoration and Tuning

Online 300-hour course on SU carburettors: restoration and tuning. 6 modules covering EN 228 (unleaded petrol), EN 15376 (ethanol as a petrol component) and advanced Excel.…

300 hOnlineRestoration & Classics
Course890 $

Upholstery in Historical Carpets and Floor Mats Course

Online 300-hour course in upholstery of historical carpets and floor mats. 6 modules covering ISO 3795 (fire behaviour of vehicle interior materials), FMVSS 302 (flammability of…

300 hOnlineRestoration & Classics
Ergonomics in Artisan Upholstery CourseEnrol
Related programmes

More in Restoration & Classics

Historic Vehicle Registration Course in SpainView programme →Course in Parts Documentation with TraceabilityView programme →Course in Ultrasonic Cleaning for CarburettorsView programme →Historic Rally Car Preparation CourseView programme →Course in Classic Agricultural Machinery RestorationView programme →Specialist Packaging Course for Historic Spare PartsView programme →

All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.