1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Footwear manufacturing operative

Footwear manufacturing operative

Alternative titles for this job include Shoemaker

Footwear manufacturing operatives make shoes, boots, slippers, sports and dance footwear for all ages.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a footwear manufacturing operative

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Footwear and Leather
  • Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear, Leather or Textile Production

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a footwear manufacturer intermediate apprenticeship.

This typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers for a trainee position.

Employers will want you to show that you have good practical skills and the ability to follow instructions or job specifications. They could ask you to do a practical test at the interview stage. Experience in shoe repairs, textiles or leatherwork may be helpful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Footwear Association for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in footwear manufacturing from the British Footwear Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job you could:

  • cut leather or fabric pieces from a pattern, for the 'upper' section
  • stitch and sew together individual sections to complete the upper
  • mould uppers into their final shape on a wooden or metal mould called a 'last'
  • attach soles with adhesives or by stitching
  • trim heels to shape
  • stain soles, heels and edges before waxing and buffing
  • polish the boot or shoe and add laces or other finishings
  • inspect for quality and package up

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could move into supervisory management, machinery maintenance or quality control. With further training, you could take up a career in footwear design or as a footwear technologist.

You could also specialise in custom-made footwear, like luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic footwear, or historical and theatrical costume footwear.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Footwear Production Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £21,132.00 Annually
  • Location: Wollaston, Nr Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a footwear manufacturing operative?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.