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
Textiles Apprentice
- Wage : £152.10 Weekly
- Location: Keighley BD21 4DG
Embroidery & Print Production Apprentice (Fashion and Textiles)
- Wage : To be agreed upon appointment
- Location: Batley WF17 9LN
Courses In England
Footwear Foundation Degree
- Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
- Start date: 23 September 2020
- Location: Leicester
Footwear Design and Manufacture
- Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
- Start date: 21 September 2020
- Location: Leicester
JobsIn the United Kingdom
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Skills assessment
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
Get help using this service
Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week
More ways to contact us