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Leather craftworker

Alternative titles for this job include Leather worker, saddler

Leather craftworkers make clothes, shoes and accessories from leather, using traditional methods.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a leather craftworker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

College

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

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

You could also specialise with a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Saddlery, if you want to work with suppliers to the horse riding industry.

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 leather craftsperson intermediate apprenticeship, or specialise in saddlework by completing a bespoke saddler advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to be taken on as a trainee craftworker. Employers may be more interested in your practical ability than formal qualifications, although it'll help if you have GCSEs in subjects like English, art and design, maths, and design and technology.

Other Routes

If you want to work in saddlery and harness making, you can do specialist training through The Society of Master Saddlers.

You can also do specialist leather courses through the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies and the BLC Leather Technology Centre.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the leather industry from The Leathersellers' Company and UKFT.

You can get more information on working in craft and creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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 come up with new ways of doing things
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • 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

You could:

  • use a pattern to measure and cut pieces of leather
  • design clothing, coverings or accessories
  • prepare leather, using chemicals
  • stitch pieces of leather by hand or machine
  • add handles, straps and buckles
  • stain, wax and polish products
  • if you're self employed, market your business and do admin tasks

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, in a factory or from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a supervisor or specialise in an area like leather pattern design, sales or marketing.

You could also set up your own business or move into the leather manufacturing and finishing industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Leather Goods Craftsperson J3239

  • Wage: £10,433.28 Annually
  • Location: Yeovil

Leather Craftsperson Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,031.00 Annually
  • Location: Kings Road, Bridgwater
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Introduction to Leather Crafts

  • Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 28 September 2023
  • Location: Leicester

Bookbinding simple leather binding

  • Provider: THE CITY LITERARY INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 27 April 2023
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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