Ready to make your mark in auto upholstery? Here’s your shot. Douglass Interior Products just dropped a one-of-a-kind scholarship for up-and-coming trimmers and the prize package is crazy good. We’re talking international travel, hands-on mentorship, professional training, and enough insider knowledge to turbocharge your career.
“Since 1978, we’ve watched this industry grow in ways that continue to blow us away,” said Brodie Smith, National Automotive Sales Manager for Douglass. “The creativity and skill of today’s builders inspire us daily, and we’re more motivated than ever to invest in the next generation of upholsterers.”
That’s exactly what the 2026 Interior Craftsman Scholarship is all about. Douglass teamed up with some of the best in the business to put together a prize package that goes way beyond free classes. The winner will walk away with real-world experiences, insider training, and mentorship opportunities that money can’t buy.
Here’s what’s on the table:
» A Trip to Scotland: Spend a week at Scottish Leather Group’s Muirhead and Bridge of Weir tanneries. You’ll see every step of the process, from raw skins to finished hides, and get hands-on with their leather cut and sew practices. Flights and accommodations are covered.
» One-on-One with a Master: Work side by side with Jeremy Carlson and his team at Avant-Garde Design in Palm City, Florida. They’ll show you how they use cutting-edge tools to build interiors that win awards and set trends. Flights and accommodations included.
» Upholstery Training in Florida: Take a five-day course at Automotive Soft Trim’s upholstery school in Ocala, Florida. Choose from seats, door panels, or other classes and Douglass will handle the rest, including travel and lodging.
» Online Learning with The Lucky Needle: Enjoy unlimited access to The Lucky Needle’s online tutorials. That’s more than 24 hours of detailed lessons you can watch anytime.
» Sid Chavers DVD Set: Get your hands on Sid Chavers’ legendary Street Rod Interiors DVD series, covering seats, panels, and headliners.
The scholarship is open to trimmers with seven years or less of experience — basically, the young guns.
“We want to give enthusiastic newcomers the support they need to thrive and keep this industry growing for generations to come,” Smith said. “If you’re new to the industry, have unbeatable drive and are hungry to learn everything you can, this opportunity is for you.”
The deadline to apply is December 5. The winner will be announced on December 12.
Click here to apply for the 2026 Interior Craftsman Scholarship!
This scholarship is about more than just training. It’s about setting up the next wave of trimmers to take the craft to new heights.
To learn more about Douglass Interior Products and check out their lineup of leathers, fabrics, and carpets, visit DouglassInteriorProducts.com. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay inspired.
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