Shoe Repairer
What is the work like?
Shoe repairers mend footwear and other accessories such as belts and bags. Most repairers are based in high street shops, where they will combine their shoe repairing work with other services like key cutting, watch repairing and engraving.
As a shoe repairer, your key tasks would include:
- replacing worn out soles and heels
- carrying out more complicated repairs, such as renewing stitching and welts
- building up heels and soles
- cleaning, polishing, dyeing or staining shoes
- replacing accessories like buckles, laces, zips and straps
- taking payments from customers.
You would also maintain your own equipment, sharpening cutting tools and regularly servicing machinery. If self-employed, you would also be responsible for keeping your own accounts.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any specific qualifications to be a shoe repairer. Some employers may ask you to take a short aptitude test, covering English, basic maths and practical skills.
You could have an advantage if you have qualifications or experience in other craft areas, such as leatherwork. Retail, sales or customer care experience may also be helpful.
Another way into this area of work is through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
For more details about careers in clothing related industries, see the Skillfast-UK website.
What further training and development can I do?
Once working as a shoe repairer you will typically learn your trade in the workplace under the supervision of an experienced colleague.
You could also work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Footwear Repair, which covers repair techniques, finishing, quality control and business skills.
Your employer may also provide further training in areas such as key cutting, engraving or watch repair if these services are offered by the business.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for shoe repairers can be between £8,000 and £12,000 a year.
- With experience can rise to between £15,000 and £21,000.
Bonus schemes may also be available. Self-employed repairers’ earnings are linked to the shop’s takings.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 40 hours a week, including Saturdays, although there may be opportunities to work part-time.
You would carry out repairs at a workbench, using specialist tools and machinery. This job can involve working with strong adhesives and hazardous machinery, so you would need to wear appropriate protective clothing.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- patience and the ability to pay close attention to detail
- an awareness of health and safety
- the ability to work on your own initiative
- good customer care skills
- the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
- basic maths skills to estimate costs and handle cash
- good eyesight in order to work with small stitching
- the ability to match dye colours.
What opportunities are there?
The footwear and leather industry is quite heavily concentrated in areas such as Northamptonshire, Lancashire, Walsall and Somerset.
You will find job opportunities in repair outlets within large retail chains, department stores and shoe retailers. You could work in high quality shoe-making factories, dealing with shoes returned for repair. Jobs are often advertised in through the jobcentre and local press.
If you work for a larger company you could progress to assistant manager and shop manager before moving on to area or regional manager. With experience, you could set up your own retail business.
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