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Leather technologist apprenticeships

Creative and media | Manufacturing

Leather technologist apprenticeships - where to start

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. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

    College
    You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Leather Production. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. 

    Apprenticeship
    You could do a Level 3 apprenticeship in fashion and textiles leather production, or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship. You'll usually need: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship 
    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship 
    Professional and industry bodies
    You could join the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists for technical advice, networking opportunities and professional development training.

    Leather technologist apprenticeships - 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 use your initiative 
    • thinking and reasoning skills 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • observation and recording skills 
    • physical skills like strength and coordination 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Leather technologist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    On a day-to-day basis you'll prepare and finish leather by: 

    • removing hair and tissue 
    • cleaning, tanning and preserving the hide using salt, chemicals and vegetable extracts 
    • colouring and drying the leather 
    • applying finishes to hide flaws and add waterproof coatings 
    You might also spend time: 

    • supervising others 
    • researching, testing and sampling chemicals, dyes and products in the laboratory 
    • monitoring waste and by-products 
    • writing up research and operational reports
    • checking the leather before it’s sent to product 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 - Leather technologist apprenticeships

    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.

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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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