Footwear Manufacturing Operative
What is the work like?
Footwear manufacturing operatives use a range of handcraft tools and semi-automated equipment to create footwear products. They can work on many different types of footwear, including fashion shoes, trainers, safety footwear and boots.
As a manufacturing operative, you would normally complete the different stages of production by working to a pattern supplied by the footwear design team. Your key duties would include:
- cutting (‘clicking’) – trimming and shaping leather or fabric sections for the 'upper', marking sections to show where to put stitches, and working around flaws that may spoil the finished appearance
- stitching (‘closing’) – sewing together all the individual sections to complete the ‘upper’ section, mainly using a semi-automated sewing machine
- lasting – moulding the uppers into their final shape on a wooden or metal pattern called a 'last'
- making – attaching the soles with adhesive or by stitching them
- finishing – fitting and trimming heels to shape, and staining the soles, heels and edges before waxing and buffing
- ‘shoe room’ – working on the the final stage of production, polishing the shoe for the desired colour and effect.
You would also check the quality of the products before they are packaged and boxed ready for distribution. In most major footwear manufacturers, you would specialise in one particular production stage. In smaller companies, you could work on the entire process from start to finish.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Employers will want you to have good practical skills to work as a footwear operative and they may ask you to sit a practical test at interview.
Formal qualifications are not essential, but the following college courses may teach you some of the skills required for the job and give you an advantage when applying for work:
- ABC Certificate in Apparel and Footwear Production Level 2
- ABC Certificate in Apparel, Footwear and Leather Production Level 2.
Experience in shoe repairs or leatherwork may also be helpful.
You may have the option to start as an apprentice with a footwear manufacturer. 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.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn on the job under the supervision of an experienced operative. Your training is likely to include production methods, machine operations, health and safety, and company procedures. You could also work towards the following NVQ qualifications:
- Footwear Manufacture levels 1 and 2
- Footwear and Leather Products Manufacture Level 3.
If you want to move into related areas of production, such as production management, footwear design or retail buying, you may need to take further training. The following colleges and universities specialise in part-time and full-time footwear-related courses: (links open in new window)
- Tresham Institute, Wellingborough
- London College of Fashion
- De Montfort University, Leicester
- University of Northampton
- International School of Footwear at Leicester College
The University of Bolton also runs a Foundation Degree in Footwear by distance learning for people working in the footwear industry. This covers manufacturing, retailing and design.
Where can I go for more information?
Wellingborough
Northants
NN8 1AH
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 are around £11,500 to £14,000 a year.
- Experienced operatives can earn between £15,000 and £22,000 a year.
- Overtime payments can increase income to £25,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week. Your job would be mainly factory-based, with most of your time spent at a workbench and operating production machinery.
You may need to use some safety clothing and equipment, such as ear protectors, face mask, gloves and safety spectacles.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- practical skills for using hand tools, technical equipment and machinery
- the ability to follow design patterns and instructions
- the ability to work quickly and accurately
- the ability to work in a team and on your own
- awareness of health and safety
- normal colour vision to match stitching, patterns and dyes.
What opportunities are there?
There are about 12,000 people working in the footwear and leather manufacturing industry in the UK, with the main centres of footwear production in Northamptonshire, Lancashire and London. You can find jobs advertised in the press, job centres and through recruitment agencies.
Skillfast-UK anticipates that there will be a need for around 3,000 new workers between now and 2014, with the industry moving towards training multi-skilled workers who can operate a number of different machines. The leading sector of the industry – quality footwear – is also forecast to grow steadily in the coming years.
With the right skills, your options for progression include roles in supervisory management, engineering maintenance and quality control. With further training, you could take up a career in footwear design or as a footwear technologist. You may also have the option to specialise in custom-made footwear, such as luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic shoes or specialist historical and theatrical costume footwear.
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