You could start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in fashion and textiles footwear.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Shoe repairer
Shoe repairers mend footwear, and items like belts and bags.
Average salary (a year)
£14,500 Starter
to£20,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
43 to 45 a week
You could work
weekends
How to become a shoe repairer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
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
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
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- replacing worn out soles and heels
- carrying out more complicated repairs, like renew stitching and welts
- building up soles and heels
- cleaning, polishing, dying or staining shoes
- replacing buckles, laces, zips or straps
- maintaining equipment, sharpening cutting tools and servicing machinery
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
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
Apprenticeships In England
Embroidery & Print Production Apprentice (Fashion and Textiles)
- Wage : To be agreed upon appointment
- Location: Batley WF17 9LN
Fashion and Textiles / Production Apprentice
- Wage : To be agreed upon appointment
- Location: Huntingdon PE28 0LQ
Courses In England
Footwear Foundation Degree
- Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
- Start date: 23 September 2020
- Location: Leicester
Shoemaking Advanced Diploma (Level 3)
- Provider: Capel Manor College
- Start date: 10 September 2019
- Location: Enfield
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