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Footwear manufacturing operative apprenticeships

Manufacturing

Footwear manufacturing operative apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • College
    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job, like the Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear, Leather or Textile Production. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.

     

    Apprenticeship
    You can do a footwear manufacturer Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to employers for a trainee position. Employers will want you to have good practical skills, and they could ask you to sit a practical test at the interview stage. Experience in shoe repairs, textiles or leatherwork may be helpful. 

    Footwear manufacturing operative apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools 
    • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • observation and recording skills 
    • the ability to operate and control equipment 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Footwear manufacturing operative apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include: 

    • cutting and shaping leather or fabric pieces for the 'upper' section 
    • stitching and sewing together individual sections to complete the upper 
    • moulding uppers into their final shape on a wooden or metal pattern called a 'last' 
    • attaching soles with adhesives or by stitching 
    • trimming heels to shape
    • staining soles, heels and edges before waxing and buffing 
    • polishing the boot or shoe for the desired colour and effect
    Working environment
    You could work in a factory or in a workshop. Your working environment may be noisy. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

    Career path and progression - Footwear manufacturing operative apprenticeships

    You could move into supervisory management, machinery maintenance or quality control. With further training, you could take up a career in footwear design or as a footwear technologist. You could also specialise in custom-made footwear, like luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic footwear, or historical and theatrical costume footwear.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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