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Shoe repairer

Alternative titles for this job include

Shoe repairers mend footwear, and items like belts and bags.

Average salary (a year)

£14,500 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a shoe repairer

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeship may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 2 apprenticeship in Footwear manufacture
    •

     

    Entry requirements

    You'll usually need:

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

    More Information

    Direct Application

    You could apply directly for a job as a trainee with a shoe repair company.

    Some employers may give you a short assessment to test your English, basic maths and practical skills.

    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
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to work well with others
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    • ambition and a desire to succeed
    • persistence and determination
    • the ability to use your initiative
    • 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:

    • greet customers and price up work to be done
    • replace worn out soles and heels
    • carry out more complicated repairs, like renew stitching and welts
    • build up soles and heels
    • clean, polish, dye or stain shoes
    • replace buckles, laces, zips or straps
    • maintain equipment, sharpen cutting tools and service machinery
    • sell items and take cash and card payments

    Working environment

    You could work at a store.

    Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and dusty.

    You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression

    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

    Career path and progression

    If you’re working for a large company, once you have experience you could progress into a management position.

    With experience and financial backing, you could set up your own retail business.

    You could also work in a high quality shoe-making factory.

    Current opportunities

    Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

    Current opportunities

    Apprenticeships In England

    Footwear Manufacturing Apprentice

    • Wage: £169.65 - £320.19 Weekly
    • Location: Northampton

    Footwear Production Apprentice

    • Wage: £18,090.00 Annually
    • Location: Wellingborough
    Find apprenticeships near you

    Courses In England

    Cordwainers Diploma in Shoemaking

    • Provider: CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
    • Start date: 06 September 2021
    • Location: Enfield

    Cordwainers Diploma in Shoemaking

    • Provider: CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
    • Start date: 06 September 2021
    • Location: Enfield
    Find courses near you

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