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Leather technologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Leather technologists prepare, treat and finish leather to make it ready for manufacturing.

Average salary (a year)

£12,000 Starter

to

£21,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Leather technologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could do a degree in:

  • leather technology
  • fashion and design technology
  • garment technology

You could also do a postgraduate course in leather technology at university. You'll need experience in the industry or a relevant first degree to apply.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could do a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather 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 could do a leather craftsperson intermediate apprenticeship or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the UKFT or the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists for technical advice, networking opportunities and professional development training.

Further information

You can find more details about working in the leather technology industry from UKFT and Eurofins BLC Leather Technology Centre.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • observation and recording skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • 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 your day to day duties you could:

  • remove hair and tissue to prepare the leather
  • use salt, chemicals and natural extracts to clean, tan and preserve the hides
  • colour and dry the leather
  • apply finishes to hide flaws and add waterproof coatings
  • research, test and sample chemicals and dye products in the laboratory
  • monitor waste and by-products
  • write up research and operational reports
  • quality control the leather before it's sent to the manufacturers

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a laboratory, in a factory or in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into related jobs like production manager, company chemist, buyer or technical salesperson.

You could move into other jobs in quality control, research or technical management. You could also move into related areas such as buying, sales or marketing.

You could set up your own research or consultancy business and work freelance for retail firms and leather companies.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Leather technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Level 2

  • Provider: SALFORD CITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Salford

Fashion and Textiles

  • Provider: HITCHIN BOYS' SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Hitchin
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